t 

PERKINS  LIBRARY 

Dulce   University 
Kare  Dooks 

THE 


POLITICAL   REGISTER. 


VOLUME  L 


THE 


Political  Regi/kr; 

O  R, 

PROCEEDINGS 


SESSION  OF  CONGRESS, 


COMMENCING  NOVEMBER  3*^,   1794,   ANDj 
ENDING    MARCH  3^*,    I795. 


WITH 

An    APPENDIX, 

CONTAINING 

A    SELECTION    of  PAPERS 

LAID  BEFORE  CONGRESS  DURING  THAT  PERIOD. 


By  JAMES  THOMSON  CALLENDER. 


VOL.   I. 


PHILADELPHIA, 

PlilNrED   BT    THOMAS    DOBSON, 
AT   THE   «TONK-KOVSE,    N°4I,  SOUTH   SECOND-STP  E  E  T, 

M.DCC.XCV 


Cop^=ngf)t  fecureo  according  to  Lato. 


B 


PREFACE. 


i  HE  firft  (ketch  of  this  publi- 
cation confifted  of  notes  taken  laft  winter,  in 
the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives  of  Congrefs, 
for  the  Philadelphia  Gazette.  This  circum- 
flance  will  explain  the  reference  which  fome- 
times  occurs,  in  the  courfe  of  thefe  debates, 
to  that  particular  newfpaper. 

The  value  of  a  work  like  the  prefent  de- 
pends entirely  upon  its  accuracy,  and  hence  it 
becomes  proper  to  give  fome  account  of  the 
niaterials  that  form  the  prefent  volume.  In 
the  firft  place,  the  Journals  feverally  printed 
by  the  Senate  and  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives, 
have,  with  a  veiy  few  abbreviations  of  the 
official  ftile,  been  incorporated  into  the  text. 
As  to  the  debates  in  the  Houfe  of  Reprefen- 
tatives, 


VI  PREFACE. 

tatives,    I   attended  every  day,  during  the 
whole  Sellion,  and  I  have  done  whatever  was 
in  my  power  to  give  a  candid  account  of  what 
pafled  in  that  place.      It  was   beyond  my 
expectation  to  be  either  entirely  accurate  or 
complete.     The  Journal  of  the  Houfe  hath 
fmce   enabled   me    to    correct   a  variety  of 
minute  miftakes  that  were  inevitable  in  the 
hafte  of  a  daily  publication.     The  kindnefs 
of  the  members  afforded  confiderable  alTill- 
ance.  ,  The  fpeech  of  Mr.  Vans  Murray,  on 
the  25th  of  November,  is  now,  by  the  help 
of  his  notes,  publiflied  complete  for  the  firft 
time.     It  was,  at  that  time,  mentioned  in 
the  Philadelphia  Gazette,  that  part  of  his 
remarks    had    been    omitted    from    an    ab- 
folute  want    of  leifure    either  to  tranfcribe 
or   print    them.       The    obfervations    made 
by  Mr.  Ames,  on  the   26th  of  November 
were   chiefly   taken    from    his    own    notes. 
The  fpeech  of  Mr.  Giles  on  the  fame  day, 
was  afterwards  publijGhed,  and,  as  it  appears, 
from  his  notes,  in  the  General  Advertifer. 
Another  Iketch  of  it  had  previoufly  been 
inferted  in  the  Philadelphia   Gazette  ;    and 
from  the   latter   a   few   fentences  are    now 
added  to  the  former,   fo  that  his  remarks 

appear 


PREFACE.  Vii 

appear  at  prefent  in  a  more  complete  {hapc 
than  they  did  in  either  of  the  preceding  pub- 
lications.    The  fpeech  of  Mr.  Sedgwick,  on 
the  25th  of  November,  is  an  inftance  of  the 
fame  kind,  a  (ketch  of  it  having  alfo  been 
publifhed  from  his  own  manufcript  in  the 
Gazette  of  the  United  States.     That  of  Mr. 
Dexter  on  the  fame  day,  was  written  out  by 
himfelf  for  the  fame  newfpaper,  and  is  re- 
printed here  without  any  alteration  whatever. 
The  fpeech  of   Mr.  Chriflie,  on  the  25th 
of  November,  I  received  in  manufcript  from 
that  gentleman  himfelf,  he  having,  at   my 
particular  requeft,  taken  the  trouble  to  tran- 
fcribe    it.       During    laft    winter,    repeated 
notice     was     given    in     the     Philadelphia 
Gazette,    as    well    as   to   feveral    Members 
perfonally,  that  any  corred;ions  of  incidental 
miftakcs  would  be  carefully  inferted.     Not 
more  than  five  or  fix  were  offered,  and  this 
forms   a  prefumption  that  the  inaccuracies 
were  neither  numerous  nor  important. 

In  the  Appendix  are  added  a  Selection  of 

Papers,  that  feemed  to  deferve  publication. 

The  letters  from  General  Wayne  of  the  14th 

and  28th  of  Auguft,  1794,  with  fome  of  the 

2  depofitions 


't£ 


viii  PREFACE. 

depofitions  that  follow  them,  have  been 
already  printed,  but  they  were  fo  connected 
with  fome  other  articles  in  this  Appendix, 
that  it  has  been  thought  expedient  for  the 
fake  of  completenefs  to  re-publifh  the  whole. 

If  this  publication  fhall  meet  with  a  fa- 
vourable reception,  a  continuation  of  it  will 
appear,  in  a  few  months. 


Philadelphia,  1 
gth  May,  1 7 95.  J 


Ph 

2 


ERRATUM. 

Page   118,  line  i,  for  28th  of  November,  read,  zCti  0/ 

November, 


Political  Regijler. 


vJN  Monday,  the  third  of  November, 
One  Thoufand,  Seven  Hundred,  and  Ninety-four, 
beini^  the  day  appointed  by  law  for  the  meeting 
at  Philadelphia  of  the  fecond  fcffion  of  the  third 
Congrefs,  held  under  the  conflitution  of  government 
of  the  United  States,  the  following  members  oF  the 
Houfe  of  Reprefentatives  appeared,  and  took  their 
feats,  to  v/it ;  from 
New-Hampjhire^  Nicholas  Gilman,  Jeremiah  Smith, 

and  Paine  Wingate. 
Ma/facbiifets,   Fiflier    Ames,    David   Cobb,    Henry- 
Dearborn,    Dwight  Fofter,  BenjaT.in  Goodhue, 
Samuel  Holten,  George  Thatcher,  Peleg  Wadf- 
worth,  and  Artem.as  Ward. 
Connedicut,  Jofliua  Coit,  Amafa  Learned,   Zepha- 
niah  Swift,  Uriah  Tracey,  and  Jonathan  Trum* 
bull. 
Vermont^  Ifrael  Smith. 
New-Tork,  Theodorus  Bailey,  Philip  Van  Cortlandt, 

and  John  Watts. 
New-Jerfey^  John  Beatty,  and  Elias  Boudinot. 
Pennfylvajiia^  Thomas  Hartley,  John  Wilkes  Kittera, 
Frederick  A.  Muhlenburgh,  f  Speaker  J  and  Peter 
Muhlenburgh. 
Maryland,  Gabriel  Chriftie,  and  George  Dent- 

B  TirginiBi, 


2  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

Virginia,  Ifaac  Coles,  Samuel  Griffin,  John  Heath, 

Jofcph    Nfville,    Anthony   New,    Jofiah  Parker, 

and  Robert  Rutherford. 
Kentucky,  Chriflopher  Greenup. 
North  Carolina,  Thomas  Blcjunt,  Vf  illiam  Johndon 

Dawfon,  Nathaniel  Maccn,  and  Alexander  Me- 

bane. 
South-Carolina,  "William  Smith. 
Georgia,  Abraham  B<ddwin. 

Ei't  a  quorum  of  the  whole  number  not  being 
prefcut,  the  rioufe  adjourned  till  to-morrow  fore- 
noon, at  eleven  o'clock. 

The  prefent  Houfe  of  Reprcfentatives  of  Congrefs 
confifts  of  an  hundred  and  five  members.  By  the 
fifth  Section  of  the  firfi:  ariicle  of  the  Confl.icution, 
it  is  enacted,  that  "  a  majority  of  each  houfe  fliali 
*'  conllitute  a  quorum  to  do  bulincfs."  Only  forfy- 
three  gentlemen  appeared  this  day,  and  the  ConftU 
lution  required  fifty-three. 

TUESDAY,  the  4th  of  NovEMBtR,  1794. 

Several  other  members,  to  wit ;  from 
Rhode-IJland,  Francis  Malbone ; 
New-Tork,  Henry  Glen,  James  Gordon,  and  John 

E.  Van  Allen ; 
New-Jerfey,  Jonathan  Dayton; 
Fennfylvania,  Thomas  Fitzfimmons ; 
Delaware,  Henry  Latimer  ; 
Maryland,  William  Vans  Murray  ; 
Virginia,    George    Hancock,    Richard   Bland   Lee, 

James  Madifon,  Andrew  Moore,  Francis  Frefton, 

and  Francis  Walker  ; 
And  from    Ntrih    Carolina,    Matthew   Locke,   ap- 
peared and  took  their  feats  in  the  Houfe. 

And  a  quorum,  confiding  of  a  majority  of  the 
whole  number,  being  prefent,  it  was,  on  the  motion 
^*f  Mr.  Parker, 

Ordered^ 


POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

Ordered,  That  a  mc  ffgc  be  fent  to  the  Sennte,  to 
inform  them  thit  a  quorum  of  thi:»  Houfe  is  affcrri- 
bled,  and  ready  to  proceed  to  bufmef?  ;  and  that 
the  Clerk  of  this  Houfe  do  go  with  the  fail  meffa^j^e. 
He  returned  with  notice,  that  the  Senate  had  not 
been  able  to  form  a  quorum. 

The  Houfe  adjourned  till  to-morrow  forenoon,  at 
eleven  o'clock. 


WEDNESDAY,  the  5th  of  November,  1794. 

Several  other  memhrrs,  to  wit ;   from 
'New-Hainpjhire .  Jolin  S.  Sherburne.) 
Ma/fachujetts,  William  LvmcUi; 
Connedicut^  James  Hillioufe^ 
Vermont,  Nathaniel  Nil  s  ; 
New-Tork,  Ezckiel  Gilbert; 
Maryland,  William  Hindman  ; 
Virginia^  Thomas  Claiborne  ; 

And  from  Georgia,  Thomas  P.  Carnes,  appeared^ 
and  took  their  feats  in  the  Houfe.  Notice  was  re- 
ceived that  the  Senate  had  not  yet  been  able  to  form. 
a  quorum. 

Upon  this  Mr.  Dayton  moved  that  a  committee 
{hould  be  appointed  to  examine  the  bufmefs  left 
unfiniihed  lafl:  fefGon,  and  report  to  the  Houfe.  He 
faw  no  reafon  for  lofmg  time,  by  waiting  for  the 
Senate. 

Mr.  Goodhue  objected  to  the  motion,  as  improper. 

Mr.  Dayton  challenged  the  gentleman  to  point 
out  wherein  the  impropriety  confided.  For  two  or 
three  weeks,  the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives  would 
have  full  employment,  while  the  Senate,  in  reality, 
had  none.  He  was  pofuive  as  to  the  legality  and 
expediency  of  proceeding. 

The  Speaker  put  the  queftion,  and  the  ayes  and 
noes  were  equal,  each  being  twenty-five.  The 
Speaker  then  informed  the  Houfe  that  as  a  auomm 

JB    2  At 


4  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

of  their  number  were  not  prefcnt,  it  would  be  rc- 
quifite  to  adjourn. 

The  Houfe  rofe  immediately,  after  adjourning 
till  to-morrow  at  eleven  o'clock.  Two  members 
were  wanting  this  day,  for  making  up  an  a£ling 
number. 

In  the  Brililli  Houfe  of  Commons,  forty  members 
make  a  quorum.  The  whole  number  is  five  hundred 
and  fifty-eight ;  fo  that  a  fourteenth  part  of  them 
can  tranfaft  the  public  bufmefs.  The  Houfe  of  Peers 
has  about  two  hundred  and  fixty  members.  No 
quorum  at  all  is  here  requifite.  A  very  important 
queflion,  the  tobacco  excife  bill,  was  decided  fome 
years  ago,  by  ten  voices  2g2\vi^feven. 

The  rule  in  the  American  Coniliiution  is  undoubt- 
edly much  belter. 

THURSDAY,  the  6th  of  November,   1794. 

Two  Other  members,  to  wit ;  from 
Mafachufetts,  Peleg  Coffin  ; 

And  from  Virginia,  John  Nicholas,  appeared,  and 
took  their  feats  in  the  Houfe. 

It  feemed  to  be  the  opinion  of  the  members  to 
defer  proceeding  to  bufmefs,  till  the  Senate  fliould 
be  able  to  form  a  quorum.  They  have  accordingly 
adjourned  till  to-morrow  at  eleven  o'clock. 

FRIDAY,  the  7th  of  November,  1794. 

Several  other  members,  to  wit ;  from 
Pennfyhania,  James  Armftrong  and  William  Mont- 
gomery ; 
Virgi?iia,  William  B.  Giles  ; 
JSlorth  Carolina,  Jofeph  Winfton  ; 
And  from  South  Carolina,  John  Hunter,  appeared, 
and  took  their  feats  in  the  Houfe. 

Ou 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  5 

On  a  motion  made  by  Mr.  Dayton,  it  was 
Refolved,  by  a  majority  of  forty-one.  That  a  (landing 
committee  of  ele^ions  be  appointed,  whofe  duty  it 
ftiall  be  to  examine  and  report  upon  the  certifi- 
cates of  eleftion,  or  other  credentials  of  the  mem- 
bers returned  to  ferve  in  this  Houfe ;  and  to  take 
into  their  confideration,  all  fuch  matters  as  fhall  or 
may  come  in  queftion,  and  be  referred  to  them  by 
the  Houfe,  touching  returns  and  ele<^ions,  and  to 
report  their  proceedings,  with  their  opinion  there- 
upon, to  the  Houfe. 

The  number  of  feven  was  then  propofed  and  agreed 
to.  The  gendemen  appointed  are  Mr.  Davron,  Mr. 
Hillhoufe,  Mr.  Sherburne,  Mr.  Dent,  Mr.'Lee,  Mr, 
Macon,  and  Mr.  Hunter. 

The  clerk  read  a  knter  from  Annapolis  to  the 
Speaker,  inclofing  a  letter  from  Mr.  John  Francis 
Mercer,  widi  his  refignation  of  his  feat  in  Congrefs, 
and  a  return  cf  Gabriel  Duvall,  as  duly  elefted  mem- 
ber for  the  thircf  din:ri(PL  of  Maryland,  in  the  room 
of  Mr.  Mercer.  On  motion  by  Mr.  Dent,  thefe 
communications  were  referred  to  the  commirtee 
of  eleftions.  The  letter  from  Mr.  Mercer  ftated, 
that  fome  diflrefs  in  his  family  had  ma"de  it  inccnve- 
fiient  for  him  to  attend  in  Congrefs  ;  and  that  he 
could  not,  confidently  with  propriety,  continue  to 
hold  his  office,  when  incapable  of  executing  its  da- 
ties. 

Mr.  Goodlme  then  alked  whether  there  was  any- 
further  notice  from  the  Senate,  as  to  their  forming 
a  Houfe.  The  Speaker  anfwered  that  twelve  mem- 
•bers  only  were  yet  met,  an  1  that  there  was  no  prof- 
pe£l  of  their  being  a  Houfe  made  till  Monday  next. 

It  wa?  then  moved,  that  when  the  Houfe  do  ad- 
journ, it  be  till  Monday  next,  at  eleven  o'clock, 
which  was  agreed  to.  The  Houfe  then  adjourned  at 
twqlve  o'clock. 

B    3  MONDAY, 


POLITICAL  REGISTER, 


MONDAY,  the  loth  of  November,  1794. 

Several  other  members,  to  wit ;  from 
l^ewTork^  Thomas  Trcdwell ; 
l^eiV'Jerfey^  Lambert  Cadwallader; 
Pennfyhania^  John  Smilie  ; 
North  Carolina,  William    Barry  Grove  and  Jofeph 

M-Dowell ; 
.And  from  South-CaroUna,  Richard  Winn,  appeared 
and  took  their  feats  in  the  Houfe. 

The  Speaker  informed  the  Houfe,  that  the  Senate 
were  not  yet  able  to  make  a  quorum.  Fifteen  mem- 
bers only  had  appeared.     One  more  w^as  necfffary. 

A  moti(.n  was  then  made  for  the  Houfe  going 
into  a  committee  to  confiJer  the  rules  for  chufing 
committees  upon  elt£lion  bufinefs. 

Dr.  Beatry,  of  New-Jerfey,  alkcd  why  the  Houfe 
of  Rtpreftntatives  fl:;ould  wiiit  ?ny  longer  for  the 
Stnate  making  a  quorum  ?  It  had  been  faid  that  we 
cannot  go  on  till  the  Senate  are  alfo  ready,  becaufe 
w^e  are  forbiddrn  by  the  Conftitution.  The  Confti- 
tution  fays  no  fuch  thin;j;.  This  Houfe  has  already 
waited  a  week  for  the  Senate  ;  and  it  is  impoffible 
to  conje£lure  how  much  longer  it  may  be  obliged  to 
wait,  by  this  methcd  of  proceeding. 

Mr.  Boudinot  wanted  to  learn,  whether  it  was 
proper  to  have  appointed  a  new  Eleftion  Committee. 
He  greatly  doubted  it. 

The  Speaker  faid,  that  the  new  committee  was 
formed  upon  this  principle,  that  the  bufinefs  before 
the  laft  committee  ihou'd  begin  de  nonjo.  Perhaps 
this  point  had  nor  been  falnciently  adverted  to,  when 
the  refolution  pafftd  lafl;  week  for  appointing  a  new 
one. 

Mr.  Boudinot  thought  that  there  would  arife  a 
t^onfiderable  inconvenience  from  all  the  bufinefs  be- 
ginning 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  7 

Pinnlns:  over  ap^ain.  Perfons  who  had  obic^ed  to 
the  return  of  a  member  of  that  Houfe,  for  example, 
would  have  to  prefent  a  new  petition,  to  the  new 
committee,  and  fo  on. 

Mr.  Nicholas  did  not  think  that  this  inference, 
drawn  by  Mr.  Bondinot,  followed  from  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  new  committee. 

Mr.  Dayton  differed  entirely  from  Mr.  Boudinot. 
Petitions  were  not  addrefl'ed  to  A.  B.  C.  D.  E.  a? 
members  of  the  Committee  of  Eletftions,  but  to  fuch 
a  committee  in  general.  Therefore  the  r,e\v  one 
would  take  up  the  bufincfs,  as  their  predcccfTors  had 
left  ir. 

Mr.  Boudinot  replied  to  explain. 

Mr.  Lyman  confidered  it  as  a  mod:  abfurd  idea, 
that  there  {hould  be  any  fach  thing  as  a  (landing 
Ele<51ion  Com.mittee,  for  the  whole  Congrefs.  Was 
public  bufinefs  to  ftand  fiill  for  the  arrival  of  members 
difperfed  perhaps  all  over  the  continent.  When  a 
feflion  ended,  what  farther  concern  had  they  with 
keeping  of  papers  ?  It  was  their  duty  to  give  them 
back  to  the  clerk,  with  a  report  of  what  progrefs 
they  had  made  ;  and  the  Houfe,  when  it  met  again, 
could  proceed,  whether  thefe  members  vrere  prefent 
or  not. 

The  Speaker,  at  th^e  deHre  of  P.Ir.  Lee,  gave  his 
opinion  as  to  the  point  of  form.  He  faid  that  it  had 
been  the  praftice  of  that  Houfe  to  name  a  ilanding 
Committee  of  Eleftions,  to  laft  for  the  whole  period 
of  the  duration  of  Congrefs.  But  he  recom.mended, 
as  the  moil  regular  method,  to  determine,  in  the 
firft  place,  whether  it  was  proper  to  proceed  without 
the  Senate,  or  not  ? 

When  once  the  Houfe  had  decided  on  its  own 
competency  for  doing  biifinefs,  it  would  then  be 
foon  enough  to  determine  what  bufniefs  fhould  be 
^one« 

B  A  Mr. 


$  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

Mr,  Goodhue  moved  to  adjourn.  For  all  the  time 
that  would  now  he  addiionally  loft,  it  was  not  worth 
while  to  drcide  th'^  queftion. 

It  wa^  ohfcrvcd  -hat  there  was  no  inftance  in  the 
coniirtnt,  vhere  one  Hou(e  proceeded  to  bufmefs 
without  the  other. 

Mr.  Dayion,  in  reply,  obfcrved,  that  Mr.  Good- 
hue had  made  a  daily,  or  near  about  a  daily  motion 
for  adjournment,  ever  fince  the  Houfe  began  to  meet, 
He  had  at  this  time  underflood  that  the  principle 
of  the  adjournment  had  been  given  up,  and  he  muft 
ctrnfefs  that  he  did  not  expeft  to  hear  any  arguments 
f.  r  aJjournment,  on  the  fcore  of  expediency.  The 
Houfe  divided  on  the  motion  of  Mr.  Goodhue. 
For  adjourning,  ayes         33 

noes         36 

Majority  againft  adjourning  3 

On  motion,  by  Mr.  Dayton,  it  was  Ordered, 
^hat  a  cnmm"ttee  be  apoointed  to  examine  the  Jour- 
nal of  ihe  ;alt  ftffion,  and  to  report  therefrom,  all 
fuch  matti.rs  of  bufmtfs  as  were  then  depending  and 
undetermined  ;  and  alfo  to  examine  and  report  fuch 
Jaws  of  tue  United  States  as  have  expired,  or  will 
expire  before  the  next  fefiion.  A  committee  was 
appointed  of  Mr.  Boudinot,  Mr.  Traccy,  and  Mr. 
Kittera. 

Dr.  Beatty  moved,  that  the  report  of  the  Secre- 
tary at  War,  on  the  cafe  of  Peter  Covenhoven  fliould 
be  read.  This  report  was  dated  the  21ft  of  February, 
1793.     It  was  read  by  the  clerk. 

It  was  then  read  a  fecond  time,  and  a  motion  made 
by  Dr.  Beatty,  to  bring  in  a  bill  for  the  relief  of 
Mr.  Covenhoven. 

This  was  negatived, 

Mr. 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  ^ 

Mr.  Parker  then  prcfented  a  memorial  for  Mofes 
Myers  of  Norfolk,  in  the  ftate  of  Virginia,  and  a 
proteft  which  were  both  read  by  the  clerk. 

The  memorial  ftated  that  the  memorialid  had 
purchafed,  and  actually  paid  a  great  part  of  the  duty 
down,  at  the  cuftom-hoiife  at  Norfolk,  for  a  quan- 
tity of  goods  which  were  on  board  of  a  French  fe- 
venty-four  gun  ihip  in  Hampton  roads.  He  fent 
down  a  fhip  to  bring  them  up.  She  was  overfet, 
and  the  whole  went' to  the  bottom,  as  appeared 
from  the  protefl,  alfo  read,  made  by  a  notary  in 
name  of  the  mafter,  who,  along  with  a  failor,  fub- 
fcribing  the  proteft,  fwam  afliore,  for  their  lives. 
Mr.  Parker  dated  the  hardfliip  of  taking  duties  from 
a  merchant  for  Ihip-wrecked  goods.  Redrefs  had 
laft  feffion  b)een  granted,  in  two  cafes  of  this  kind, 
by  Congrefs.  He  hoped  for  another  inftance  of 
the  fame  fort.  Mr.  Myers  would  have  to  pay  up 
that  part  of  the  duty  on  thefe  goods  not  yet  paid, 
on  the  14th  of  this  month,  at  the  cuflom-houfe  at 
Nor^o'k. 

The  Houfe  agreed  to  appoint  a  fpecial  committee 
to  examine  and  report.  Mr.  Parker,  Mr.  Watts, 
and  ?vTr.  Coffin,  were  accordingly  nan:cd.  Dr. 
Beatty  then  declared  hinrsfeh  at  a  lofs  to  difcover 
why  there  fnould  be  a  diflindlion  between  the  report 
on  the  petition  of  Peter  Covenhoven,  and  the  peti- 
tion of  Mofes  Myers.  The  former  had  an  equal 
claiin  with  the  latter  to  legiflative  attention.  On  a 
motion  for  that  ciFefl",  by  Dr.  Beatty,  it  was  or- 
dered, that  the  petition  and  report  be  referred  to  a 
committee  of  the  whole  Houfe  to-morrow. 

Mr.  Claibourne  hid  the  following  morion  on  the 
table,,  viz.  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  revife 
all  the  laws  which  have  been  pafled  fmce  the  adop- 
tion of  the  conftitntion,  relative  to  the  military  efla- 
bliihment  of  the  United  States,  the  arrangements  of 
the  militia,  their  pay,  &c.  Adiourned. 

TUESDAY, 


t&  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 


TUESDAY,  the  nth  of  November,  1794, 

Two  Other  members,  to  wit  ;  from 
Maffachvfetts^  Shearjafliub  Bnurne  ; 
And  from  New-Tork,  PeterVan  Gaafbeck,  appear- 
ed, and  took  their  feats  in  the  Houfe. 

The  Speaker  laid  before  the  Houfe,  a  letter  from 
James  White,  inclofing  the  credentials  of  his  ap- 
pointment, as  a  reprefentative  of  the  territory  of  the 
United  States  fouth  of  the  river  Ohio,  in  the  Con- 
grefs  of  the  United  States,  according  to  the  ordi- 
nance of  Coni^rcfs  of  the  13th  of  July,  1787, 
which  were  read.  They  were  read  a  fecond  time, 
on  a  motion  by  Mr.  Blount  for  that  purpofe.  Mr. 
Blount  then  moved,  that  a  commitree  fliould  be  ap- 
pointed to  examine  the  peculiarities  of  this  cafe,  as 
it  did  not  come  within  the  common  bufmefs  of  the 
election  commitree. 

The  Houfe  agreed  to  this  propofal,  and  a  com- 
mittee of  five  members,  Mr.  B.ildwin,  Mr.  Gilbert, 
Mr.  Walker,  Mr.  Swift,  and  Mr.  Jeren^iah  Smith, 
were  appointed  to  examine  and  report. 

The  Speaker  informed  the  Houfe  that  one  fena- 
ror  was  yet  wanting  to  the  making  of  a  quorum. 
The  Senate  confifts  of  thirty  members,  of  whom 
only  fifteen  have  yet  (Tuefday)  made  their  appear- 
ance ;  of  confequence,  a  majority  is  wanting.  The 
Vice-Prefident  has,  it  is  true,  arrived,  but  he  is  not, . 
firii^ly  fpeaking,  a  fc^nator.  He  does  not  give  a 
vote  in  qiieftions  that  come  before  the  Senate,  un- 
lefs  the  voices,  on  a  divifion,  are  equal. 

Mr.  Bou  ;inot,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
examine  the  journal  of  the  lafl:  felTion,  and  to  report 
therefrom  all  fuch  matters  of  bufmefs  as  were  then 
depending  and  undetermined  ;  and  alfo  to  examine 
and  report  fuch  laws  of  the  United  States  as  have 
expired,  or  will  expire  before  the  next  fefilon,  made 

a  report 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  ii 

a  report  in  part,  which  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie 
on  the  table.  His  report  referred  only  to  unfiniflied 
bills,  that  refpefting  an  uniform  fyftem  of  bankruptcy 
throughout  the  United  States,  that  for  providing 
for  fick  and  difabled  feamen  ;  and  the  report  of  the 
committee  appointed  to  prepare  rules  and  regula- 
tions for  the  Houfe. 

On  morion  of  Mr.  Tracy,  the  rules  and  regula- 
tions reported  lafl"  fclTion,  were  re«d  a  fird  and  fe- 
cond  time,  and  referred  to  a  committee  of  the  whole 
Houfe.  He  was  a!ked  what  day  he  prekrred  ?  He 
thought  it  proper  to  proceed  i  nmeJiately. 

Mr.  Murray  informed  rhe  Houle,  that  Mr.  Diivall, 
the  new  member  from  Maryland,  was  now  attending 
to  take  his  feat. 

Mr.  Nicholas  obferved,  that  he  fiiW  no  rr afon  for 
delaying  the  adm'ffion  of  the  gentleman.  He  under- 
flood  that  the  committee  of  elcftions  had  the  cafe  of 
Mr.  Mercer's  rcfignation  Luder  their  confideration, 
and  would  report  immediately,  and  he  undcrdood 
that  the  report  would  be  in  favour  of  the  gentle- 
man.  He  did  not  fee  the  ufe  for  fo  much  more  ce- 
remony in  this  cafe  than  in  that  of  preceding  mem- 
bers. They  had  all  been  admitted  firil,  and  their 
credentials  examined  afterwards. 

Some  remarks  fell  from  Mr.  Lee  refpecling  pre- 
cedent. Mr.  Mercej-  had  formerly  taken  a  feat  in 
much  the  fame  way,  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Pinckney. 
The  proceedings  on  this  cafe  were  read  by  the  clerks 

Mr.  Macon  faid,  that  if  gentlem.en  would  only 
have  patience  for  ten  minutes,  they  wouid  have  tlie 
report  of  the  committee  ready. 

Mr.  Da}t'')n  immediately  after  preftnred  this  re- 
port. A  quellion  occurred  whether  or  not  it  Ihculd 
be  read. 

Mr.  M  difon  was  for  the  report  being  read.  It 
would  only  delay  the  adnniTion  of  the  gentleman  for 

•a  few 


T2  l»OLrnCAL  REGISTER. 

a  few  minutes.  It  was  therefore  better  to  receive 
it,  and  then  take  him  in.  There  was  a  queflion,  if 
Mr.  Mercer  was  now  to  appear  before  the  Houfe, 
could  be  take  his  feat  ?  Mr.  Madifon  would  not  un- 
dertake to  anfwer  the  queflion.  It  was  a  delicate 
one.  He  would  have  the  report  read.  If  it  was 
favourable,  a6l  as  concurring  with  it.  If  not  fo,  lay 
it  afide,  and  admit  the  member  from  Maryland  to 
qualify  without  taking  any  notice  of  it. 

Mr.  Parker  could  fee  no  reafon  why  the  member 
might  not  take  his  place  dire£^ly.  The  Houfe  had 
yeflerday  full  evidence  laid  before  them,  under  the 
fanftion  of  the  legiflature  of  Maryland,  that  Mr. 
Mercer  had  vacated  his  feat.  In  his  room  here 
comes  a  gentleman  with  proper  credentials.  "Why 
hefitate  in  accepting  him  ?  Mr.  Parker  was  forry 
that  any  difcuffion  had  taken  place  on  the  fubjeft. 

Mr.  Madifon  was  ftill  for  reading^  the  report  of 
the  committee.  His  objc£l  was  to  accelerate  the 
reception  of  the  gentleman,  v/hich  would  inevitably 
and  properly  take  place.  If  the  Houfe  were  to  ad- 
mit him  to  qualify,  without  firfl:  reading  the  rtport, 
it  might  hereafter  be  afked,  Why  was  a  report  made 
at  all,  when  the  Houfe  refufe  to  read  it  ?  It  might, 
on  a  future  occafion,  be  faid,  "  Perhaps  that  report 
"  has  been  unfavourable,  and  the  Houfe  have  con- 
"  tradiftcd  the  report  of  their  own  committee." 

The  report  was  read  accordingly.  A  vacancy, 
and  a  due  re-eleftion  were  declared.  The  report 
was  then  read  a  fecond  time  ;  and  accepted.  The 
member  was  qualified  in  common  form. 

Mr.  Tracy  then  reminded  the  Houfe  of  his  pro- 
pofal  for  immediately  going  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole,  on  the  rules  and  regulation'^. 

Mr.  Madifon  obje^led  to  going  into  the  bufmefs 
abruptly.  For  his  own  parr,  he  had  lofi:,  or  miflaid 
his  copy  of  the  regulations.      He  would  certainly 

not 


POLITICAL  REGISTER. 


n 


not  objeiV,  on  his  own  account.  If  there  was  no- 
body elfe  in  the  fame  liiuation,  he  would  not  men- 
tion that  as  any  reafon  to  flop  their  going  on.  But 
he  was  afraid  that  fome  other  gentlemen  were  ia 
the  fame  fituation. 

Mr.  Goodhue  declared  himfelf  in  a  firailar  predi- 
cament. 

Mr.  Tracy.  "  If  we  are  like  fchool-boys,  and 
*'  have  lofl  our  books,  I  can  have  no  objection  to  the 
"  procuring  of  new  ones.''  It  was  then  agreed  to 
print  the  rules  and  regulations  over  again,  for  the 
nfe  of  the  members.  The  Houfe  goes  into  a  com- 
mittee on  this  fuf  jedl  to-morrow. 

The  order  of  the  day  on  the  petition  of  Peter 
Covenhoven  was  deferred  till  to-morrow. 

Adjourned  at  one  o'clock. 

WEDNESDAY,  the  12th  of  November,  1794. 

Another   member,  to  wit ; 
Carter  B.  Harrifon,  from  Virginia,   appeared,  and 
took  his  feat  in  the  Houfe. 

A  memorial  from  Andrew  Taylor,  of  Ulfter 
county,  in  the  flate  of  New- York,  was  prefented 
to  the  Houfe  by  Mr.  Watts,  and  read,  praying  the 
liquidation  and  fettlement  of  a  claim  for  his  fervicci 
as  a  deputy  quarter-raafter  in  the  army  of  the  United 
States,  during  the  late  war. 

The  memorial  was  referred  to  the  Secretary  of 
the  Trcafury,  with  in(lru<flion  ro  examine  it,  and 
make  report  10  the  Houfe. 

A  petition  of  Samuel  Emery,  merchant  in  Phila- 
delphia, was  prefented  by  Mr  Fitzfnnmons,  and  read, 
praying  that  a  new  regider  may  be  granted  in  the 
cafe  of  the  brig  Lucy,  an  American  bottom,  which 
was  fold  in  the  year  1792,  to  a  perfon  not  a  citizen 
of  the  United  States  j  it  being  omitted  in  the  bill  of 

fak 


?4  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

fale  of  the  faid  brig,  to  inferr  a  copy  of  tlie  regifler, 
in  confequcnce  of  which  omiffion,  the  Colleftor  of 
the  port  of  Philadelphia  conceives  himfclf  unautho'^ 
rife'.'  to  grant  a  new  regifter. 

Ordered^  To  He  on  the  table. 

The  Houfc,  according  to  the  order  of  the  day, 
refolved  itfelf  into  a  commirre,  Mr.  Trumbull  in  the 
chair,  on  the  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to 
prepare  and  report  fuch  (landing  rules  and  orders  of 
proceeding  as  are  proper  to  be  ohferved  in  the 
Houfe ;  and  after  fome  time  fpent  therein,  the 
Speaker  rcfumed  the  chair,  and  Mr.  Trumbull  re- 
ported, that  the  committee  had,  according  to  ord'^r, 
had  the  faid  report  under  confideration,  and  made 
feveral  amendments  thereto,  which  he  delivered  in 
at  the  clerk's  table. 

The  report,  with  the  amendments,  was  ordered 
to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  order  of  the  day  was  further  poftponed  un- 
til to-morrow.     Adjourned  at  two  o'clock, 

THURSDAY,  the  13th  of  November,  1794. 

T\^o  other  members,  to  wit ; 
Andrew  Gregg  and  Daniel  Heifler  from  Pennfyha- 
jiia,  appeared,  and  took  their  feats  in  the  Houfe. 

A  refolution  pad,  that  each  member  fhall  be  fup- 
plied  with  three  daily  newfpapers.  It  was  men- 
tioned, that  fome  applications  had  been  made  by  a 
few  particular  members  for  leave  to  have  newfpapers 
from  the  fouihern  or  eaftern  flates,  as  part  of  this 
number.  This  w^as  objefted  to,  as  putting  the  ex- 
ecutive to  a  needlefs  additional  expence.  It  was 
therefore  fubjoined,  as  an  amendment  to  the  motion, 
that  they  ftiould  be  newfpapers  "  of  this  city." 

Mr.  Nicholas  thought  that  economy  was  highly 
proper  on  this,  as  well  as  other  points.     He  there- 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  i^- 

fore  moved  to  ftiike  out  the  word  three  fiom  the 
motion,  and  fubliitute  two.  He  confidered  one 
morning  and  one  evening  paper  as  fufficient  for  the 
information  of  the  members. 

Mr.  Trary  faid  that  it  was  all  together  but  a  fmall 
aff  iir  ;  feme  gentleman  had,  as  he  undcrflo  d,  already 
beipoke  three  papers,  un'^er  the  expeftation  that  the 
fa  e  number  would  be  granted  during  this  fcflioD, 
as  during  the  lad. 

Mr.  Nicholas  then  obferved,  that  he  would  not 
prefs  his  amendment  on  the  lioufe.  It  was  accord- 
ingly withdrawn. 

A  petition  of  George  Campbell,  of  the  flare  of 
Maryland,  was  prefented  to  the  Houfe  by  Mr.  Dent, 
and  read,  praying  compcnfation  for  his  fcrvices  as  a 
captain  of  artificers,  in  the  army  of  the  United 
States,  during  the  late  war. 

Ordered^  To  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Speaker  laid  before  the  Houfe,  a  letter  from 
the  Treasurer  of  the  United  States,  accompanying 
his  account  of  receipts  and  expenditures  for  the  war 
departtnent,  from  the  ill  of  April  to  the  30th  of 
June,  1794,  inclufivc,  which  were  read,  ordered  to 
lie  on  the  table,  and  to  be  printed. 

The  Houfe  proceeded  to  confider  the  amend- 
ments, reported  yefterday,  from  the  committee  of 
the  whole  Houfe,  to  whom  was  referred  the  report 
of  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  and  report 
fuch  flandmg  rules  and  orders  of  proceeding  as  are 
proper  to  be  obferved  in  this  Houfe ;  and  the  faid 
amendments  being  twice  read  at  the  clerk's  table, 
were,  on  the  queftion  feverally  put  thereupon, 
agreed  to  by  the  Houfe. 

The  faid  report,  as  amended,  being  then  again 
read,  and  further  amended  at  the  clerk's  table  : 

Refohed,    That  the   following  be  eftabliflied  as 
ihe  ftanding  rules  and  orders  of  thi^s  Houfe,  to  wit : 
4  Siiinding 


Id  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

Standing  Rules  and  Orders  of  the  Houfe  of  Repre^ 
j'entJti-jts  of  the  United  States. 

FIRST, TOUCHING   THE   DUTY   OF    THE   SPEAKER. 

He  ftiall  take  the  chair  every  day,  at  the  hour  to 
which  the  Houfe  (hall  have  adjourned  on  the  pre- 
ceding day ;  fhall  immediately  call  the  members  to 
order;  and,  on  the  appearance  of  a  quorum,  (hall 
caufe  the  journal  of  the  preceding  day  to  be  read. 

He  fliall  preferve  decorum  and  order  ;  may  fpeak 
to  points  of  order,  in  preference  to  other  members, 
rifmg  from  his  feat  for  that  purpofe,  and  Ihull  d-^cide 
queflions  of  order,  fubjeft  to  an  appeal  to  the  Houfe 
by  any  two  member-?. 

He  fliall  rife  to  put  a  queftion,  but  may  ftate  it  fit- 
ting. 

Queflions  fliall  be  diftinftly  put  in  this  form,  to 
wit ;  "  As  many  as  are  of  opinion  that  (as  the  quef- 
"  tion  may  be)  fay  Ay  :'*  and  after  the  affirmative 
voice  is  exprefled, — "  As  many  as  are  of  a  contrary 
"  opinion,  fay  No."  If  the  Speaker  doubts,  or  a 
diviflon  be  called  for,  the  Houfe  fliall  divide  ;  thofe 
in  the  affirmative  of  the  queftion,  ihall  firft  rife  from 
their  feats,  and  afterwards  thofe  in  the  negative  :  If 
the  Speaker  flill  doubts,  or  a  count  be  required,  the 
Speaker  fliall  name  two  members,  one  from  each 
fide,  to  tell  the  numbers  in  the  affirmative,  which 
being  reported,  he  fliall  then  name  two  others,  one 
from  each  fide,  to  tell  thofe  in  the  negative ;  which 
being  alfo  reported,  he  fliall  rife,  and  ftate  the  deci- 
fion  to  the  Houfe. 

All  committees  fliall  be  appointed  by  the  Speaker, 
unlcfs  otherwife  fpecially  dire<Sted  by  the  Houfe,  in 
which  cafe  they  fliall  be  appointed  by  ballot  ;  and 
if,  upon  fuch  ballot,  the  number  required  fliall  not 
be  ele<Sted   by  a  majority  of  the  votes  given,  the 

4  Houfe 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  17 

Ploufe  lliall  proceed  to  a  fecond  bailor,  ia  which  a 
plurality  of  votes  fhall  prevail  ;  and  in  cafe  a  greater 
number  than  are  required  to  compofe  or  complete 
the  committee  ftiall  have  an  equal  number  of  votes, 
the  Houfe  (hall  proceed  to  a  further  ballot  or  bal- 
lots. 

In  all  cafes  of  ballot  by  the  Houfe,  the  Speaker 
fiiall  vote  ;  in  other  cafes  he  fliall  not  vote,  unlefs 
the  Houfe  be  equally  divided,  or  unlefs  his  vote,  if 
given  to  the  minority,  will  make  the  divifion  equal, 
and  in  cafe  of  fuch  equal  divifion,  the  queflion  fhall 
be  loft. 

All  a£ls,  addreifes,  and  joint  refolutions  fliall  be 
figned  by  the  Speaker  ;  and  all  writs,  warrants,  or 
fubpcenas  iffued  by  order  of  the  Houfe,  fliall  be  un- 
der his  hand  and  feal,  aitefl:ed  by  the  clerk. 

In  cafe  of  any  difturbance  or  diforderly  condu(5t 
in  the  gallery  or  lobby,  the  Speaker  (or  chairman 
of  the  committee  of  the  whole  Houfe)  fliall  have 
power  to  order  the  fame  to  be  cleared. 

SECONDLY, OF  DECORUM  AND  DEBATE, 

When  any  member  is  about  to  fpcak  in  debate, 
or  deliver  any  matter  to  the  Houfe,  he  fliall  rife 
from  his  feat,  and  refpedfully  addrefs  himfelf  to  Mr. 
Speaker. 

If  any  member  in  fpeaking,  or  otherwife,  tranf- 
grefs  the  rules  of  the  Houfe,  the  Speaker  flia!!, 
or  any  meaiber  may  call  to  order ;  in  which  cafe 
the  member  fo  called  to  order,  fliall  immediately 
fit  down,  unlefs  permitted  to  explain,  and  the 
Houfe  fliall,  if  appealed  to,  decide  on  the  cafe, 
but  without  debate  :  If  there  be  no  appeal,  the 
decifion  of  the  chair  fliall  be  fubmiited  to  :  If  the 
decifion  be  in  favour  of  the  member  called  to  or- 
der, he  iliall  be  at  liberty  to  proceed  ;  if  other- 
wife,  and  the  cafe  require  it,  he  fliail  be  liable  to 
the  cenfure  of  the  Houfe. 

C  No 


r8  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

"When  two  or  more  members  happen  to  rife  at 
ence,  the  Speaker  diall  name  the  member  who  is 
firft  to  fpeak. 

No  member  (hall  fpcak  mofc  than  twice  to  the 
fiiiTie  queflion,  without  leave  of  the  Houfe ;  nor 
more  than  once,  until  every  member  choofmg  to 
■fpeak,  fliall  have  fpoken. 

Whilft  the  Speaker  is  puttin,^  any  queftion,  or  ad- 
c^reffing  the  Houfe,  none  (hall  walk  out  of,  or  acrofs 
(he  Houfe  ;  n*or  cither  in  fuch  cafe,  or  when  a  mem- 
ber is  fpeaking,  fliall  entertain  private  difcourfe  ;  nor 
whilft  a  member  is  f^)eaking,  Ihail  pafs  between  him 
and  the  chair. 

No  member  fhull  vote  on  any  queftion,  in  the 
event  of  which  he  is  immediately  and  particularly 
inrercfted  ;  or  in  any  other  cafe  where  he  was  not 
prtfent  when  the  queftion  wms  put. 

Upon  a  divifion  and  count  of  the  Houfe  on  any  quef- 
tion, no  member  without  the  bar  fhall  be  counted. 
Every  member  who  fhall  be  in  the  Houfe  when 
a  queftion  is  put,    firall  give  his  vote,    unlefs  the 
Houfe,  for  fpecial  reafons,  Ihall  e.xcufe  him. 

When  a  motion  is  made  and  feconded,  it  fliall 
be  ftated  by  the  Speaker,  or  being  in  writing, 
it  liiall  be  handed  to  the  chuir,  and  read  aloud  by 
the  clerk,  before  debated. 

Every  motion  fliall  be  reduced  to  writing,  if  the 
Speaker  or  any  member  defire  it. 

After  a  morion  is  ftated  by  the  Speaker,  or  read 
by  the  clerk,  it  fliall  be  deemed  to  be  in  poflTef- 
flon  of  the  Houfe,  but  may  be  withdrawn  at  any 
time  before  a  decifion  or  amendment. 

Wlien  a  queftion  is  under  debate,  no  motion 
fliall  be  received,  unlefs  to  amend  it,  to  commit 
it,  for  the  previous  queftion,  to  poftpone  it  to  a 
day  certain,  or  to  adjourn. 

A  motion  to  adjourn  fliall  be  always  in  order, 
and  fti.ll  be  decided  without  debate. 

Tlie 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  tcf 

The  previous  queftion  lliall  be  in  this  form, 
**  Shall  the  main  queflion  be  now  put  ?**  It  fhall 
only  be  admitted  when  demanded  by  five  members  ; 
and  until  it  is  decided,  fliall  preclude  all  amendment 
and  further  debate  of  the  main  quedion. 

On  a  previous  queflion,  no  member  lliall  fpeak 
more  than  once  without  leave. 

Any  member  may  call  for  the  divifion  of  a  quef- 
lion, where  the  fenfe  will  admit  of  it. 

A  motion  for  commitment,  until  it  is  decided, 
Ihall  preclude  all  amendment  of  the  main  queflion. 

Motions  and  reports  may  be  committed  at  the 
pleafure  of  the  Houfe. 

No  new  motion  or  propofition  fliall  be  admitted 
under  colour  of  amendment,  as  a  fabflitute  for  the 
motion  or  propofition  under  debate. 

When  the  reading  of  a  paper  is  called  for,  which 
had  before  been  read  to  the  Houfe,  and  the  fame  is 
objefted  to  by  any  member,  it  fliall  be  determined 
by  a  vote  of  the  Houfe. 

The  unfiniflied  bufinefs  in  which  the  Houfe  was 
engaged  at  the  time  of  the  lafl  adjournment,  fhall 
have  the  preference  in  the  orders  of  the  day  ;  and 
no  motion  on  any  other  bufmefs  fliall  be  received, 
without  fpecial  leave  of  the  Houfe,  until  the  former 
is  difpofed  of. 

In  all  other  cafes  of  ballot,  than  for  committees, 
a  majority  of  the  votes  giveti  ihall  be  neceffary  to 
an  eleftion  ;  and  when  there  fliall  not  be  fuch  ma- 
jority on  the  firfl  ballot,  the  ballot  fliail  be  repeated 
until  a  majority  be  obtained. 

In  all  cafes  v/hen  others  than  members  of  the 
Houfe  may  be  eligible,  there  fhall  be  a  previous  no- 
mination. 

If  a  queflion  depending  be  lofl  by  aJjournmenc 

of  the  Houfe,  and  revived   on  the  fucceeding  day, 

no  member  who  has  fpoken  twice  on  the  day  pre- 

C  2  ceding. 


20  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

ceding,  fliall  be  permitted   again   to  fpeak  without 
leave. 

Every  order,  refolution,  or  vote,  to  which  the 
concurrence  of  the  Senate  Ihall  be  neceiTary,  fhall 
be  read  to  the  Houfe,  and  laid  on  the  table,  on  a 
day  preceding  that  in  which  the  fame  {hall  be 
moved,  unlefsi  the  Houfe  fliall  oiherwife  exprefsly 
allow. 

Petitions,  memorials,  and  other  papers,  addreffed 
to  the  Houfe,  fliall  be  prefentcd  by  the  Speaker,  or 
by  a  member  in  his  place,  and  fliall  not  be  debated 
or  decided  on  the  day  of  their  being  firfl  read,  un- 
lefs  where  the  Hniifc  fliall  direft  otherwife ;  but 
fliall  lie  on  the  table,  to  be  taken  up  in  the  order 
they  v\'ere  read. 

Any  fifteen  members  (including  the  Speaker,  if 
there  is  one)  fliall  be  aiuhorifed  to  compel  the  at- 
tendance of  abfent  members. 

Upon  calls  of  the  Houfe,  or  in  taking  the  yeas 
and  nays  on  any  queftion,  the  names  of  the  members 
fliall  be  called  alphabetically. 

Any  member  may  excufe  himfelf  from  ferving  on 
any  committee  at  the  time  of  his  appointment,  if  he 
is  then  a  member  of  two  other  committees. 

.  No  member  fliall  abfent  himfelf  from  the  fervicc 
of  the  Houfe,  unlefs  he  have  leave,  or  be  fick,  and 
unable  to  attend. 

Upon  a  call  of  the  Houfe,  the  names  of  the  mem- 
bers fliall  be  called  over  by  the  clerk,  and  the  ab- 
fentees  noted  ;  after  which,  the  names  of  the  abfen- 
tees  fliall  be  again  called  over,  the  doors  Ihall  then 
be  fliui,  and-  thofe  for  whom  no  excufe,  or  infuffi- 
cient  excufes  are  made,  may,  by  order  of  the  Houfe, 
be  taken  into  cufl:ody,  as  they  appear,  or  may  be 
fcnt  for,  and  taken  into  cuftody,  wherever  to  be 
found,  by  fpecial  meflengers  to  be  appointed  for  that 
purpofe. 

Whea 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  21 

When  a  member  lliall  be  difcharged  from  cuflody, 
and  admitted  to  his  feat,  the  Houfe  fliall  determine 
whether  fuch  difcharge  fliall  be  with,  or  without 
paying  fees  :  and  in  like  manner,  whether  a  delin- 
quent member,  taken  into  cuftody  by  a  fpecial  mef- 
fenger,  fhall,  or-fhall  not,  be  liable  to  defray  the 
expence  of  fuch  fpecial  melTenger. 

A  Serjeant-at-arms  fliall  be  appointed,  to  hold  his 
office  during  the  pleafure  of  the  Houfe,  whofe  duty 
fliall  be  to  attend  the  Houfe  during  its  fitting  ;  to 
execute  the  commands  of  the  Houfe,  from  time  to 
time,  either  by  himfelf,  or  a  fpecial  melTenger,  to  be 
by  him  appointed  for  that  purpofe,  together  with 
all  fuch  procefs  ilfued  by  authority  thereof,  as  fliall 
be  directed  to  him  by  the  Speaker. 

The  fees  of  the  Serjcant-at  arms  fliall  be,  for  every 
arrefl:,  the  fum  of  two  dollars  ;  for  each  day's  cuf- 
tody  and  releafement,  one  dollar  ;  and  for  travelling 
expences  of  himfelf,  or  a  fpecial  meffenger,  going 
and  returning,  one-tenth  of  a  dollar  per  mile. 

Two  flanding  committees  fliall  be  appointed  at  the 
commencement  of  each  fefTion,  to  confid:  of  fevcii 
members  each,  to  wit  ; 

A  Committee  of  Elections,  and 

A  Committee  of  Claims. 

It  fliall  be  the  duty  of  the  fiid  Committee  of  Elec- 
tions to  examine  and  report  upon  the  cerriiicates  of 
election,  or  other  credentials  of  the  members  re- 
turned to  ferve  in  this  Houfe,  and  to  take  into 
their  confideration  all  fuch  petitions  and  other  mat- 
ters, touching  election  and  returns,  as  fnall  or  may 
be  prefented,  or  come  in  queftion,  and  be  referred 
to  them  by  the  Hou^e. 

It  fliali  be  the  duty  of  the  faid  Committee  of 
Claims,  to  take  into  confideration  all  fuch  petitions 
and  matters  or  things  touching  claims  or  demands  on 
the  United  States,  as  fliall  be  prefented,  or  fliall  or 
may  come  in  queflion,  and  be  referred  to  them  by 

the 


1^  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

the  Hoiife,  and  to  report  their  opinion  thereupon, 
together  with  fiich  propofitions  for  rehef  therein,  as 
to  them  fhall  feem  expedient. 

No  committee  fliall  fit,  during  the  fitting  of  the 
Houfe,  without  fpecial  leave. 

The  clerk  of  the  Houfe  fliall  take  an  oath  for  the 
true  and  fiithful  difcharge  of  the  duties  of  his  office, 
to  the  bed  of  his  knowledge  and  abilities ;  and  fhall 
be  deemed  to  continue  in  office,  until  another  be  ap- 
pointed. 

It  fliall  be  the  duty  of  the  clerk  of  the  Houfe,  at 
the  end  of  each  feffion,  to  fend  a  printed  copy  of  the 
journal  thereof  to  the  executive,  and  to  each  branch 
of  the  legiflature  of  every  (late. 

Whenever  confidential  communications  are  re- 
ceived from  the  Prefident  of  the  United  States,  the 
Houfe  fnall  be  cleared  of  all  perfons,  except  the 
members  and  its  officers,  and  fo  continue  during  the 
reading  of  fuch  communications,  and  (unlefs  other- 
wife  directed  by  the  Houfe)  during  all  debates  and 
proceedings  to  be  had  thereon.  And  when  the 
Speaker,  or  any  other  member,  fliall  inform  the 
Houfe,  that  he  has  communications  to  make,  which 
he  conceives  ought  to  be  kept  fecret,  the  Houfe 
jhall,  in  like  manner,  be  cleared  till  the  communica- 
tion be  made  ;  the  Houfe  fliall  then  determine,  whe- 
ther the  matter  communicated  requires  fecrecy  or 
iiot,  and  take  order  accordingly, 

Thirdly, — of  bii,l8. 

Every  bill  fliall  be  introduced  by  motion  for  leave, 
(jr  by  an  order  of  the  Houfe,  on  the  report  of  a  com- 
mittee ;  and  in  either  cafe,  a  committee  to  prepare 
the  fame  fliall  be  appointed.  In  cafes  of  a  general 
nature,  one  day's  notice,  at  leafl-,  fliall  be  given  of 
lhe  motion  to  bring  in  a  bill  j  and  every  fuch  mo- 
tjoii  may  be  committed. 

Every 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  53 

Every  bill  fliall  receive  three  feveral  readings  in 
the  Hcufe,  previous  to  its  palTage ;  and  all  bills  iliall 
be  difpatched  in  order  as  they  were  introduced,  un- 
lefs  where  the  Houfe  fliall  direft  otherwife  ;  but  no 
bill  {hall  be  twice  read  on  the  fame  day,  without 
fpecial  order  of  the  Houfe. 

The  firft  reading  of  a  bill  fliall  be  for  information, 
and  if  oppofition  be  made  to  it,  the  queftion  (liail  be, 
*'  Shall  the  bill  be  rejefted  ?"  If  no  oppofiiion  be 
made,  or  if  the  queftion  to  reje61:  be  negatived,  the 
bill  fhall  go  to  its  fecond  reading  without  a  quef- 
tion. 

Upon  the  fecond  reading  of  a  bill,  the  Speaker 
fhall  flate  it  as  ready  for  commitment  or  engroffment; 
and  if  committed,  then  a  queflion  fhall  be,  whethei 
to  a  felect  committee,  or  to  a  committee  of  the  whole 
Houfe ;  if  to  a  committee  of  the  wdiole  Houfe,  the 
Houfe  fliall  determine  on  what  day.  But  if  the  bill 
be  ordered  to  be  engrofl'ed,  the  Houfe  fli;dl  appoint 
the  day  when  it  flia-il  be  read  the  third  time.  After 
commitment  and  report  thereof  to  the  Houfe,  a  bill 
may  be  recommitted,  or  at  any  time  before  its  paf- 
fage. 

All  bills  ordered  to  be  engrolTed,  fliall  be  executed 
in  a  fair  round  hand. 

When  a  bill  fliall  pafs,  it  fliall  be  certified  by 
the  clerk,  noting  the  day  of  its  pafTmg  at  the  foot 
thereof. 

FOURTHLY. OF   COMMITTEE<3   OF  THE  WHOLE    HOUSE. 

It  fliall  be  a  flaiyiin?  order  of  the  day,  throughout 
the  fefliou,  for  the  Houfe  to  refolve  itfelf  into  a 
committee  of  the  whole  Houfe  on  the  flate  of  the 
Union. 

In  forming  a  committee  of  the  whole  Houfe,  the 

Speaker  fhall   leave  his  chair,  and  a  Chairman  to 

C  4  prciide 


'i4  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

prefide   in   committee,  fliall  be   appointed   by   the 
Speaker. 

Upon  bills  committed  to  a  committee  of  the 
whole  Houfe,  the  bill  fliall  be  firfl:  read  throughout 
by  the  clerk,  and  then  again  read  and  debated  by 
claufes,  leaving  the  preamble  to  be  laft  confidered  ; 
the  body  of  the  bill  fliall  not  be  defaced  or  interlined  ; 
but  all  amendments,  noting  the  page  and  line,  fliall 
be  duly  entered  by  the  clerk  on  a  fcparate  paper,  as 
the  fame  fliall  be  agreed  to  by  the  committee,  and  fo 
reported  to  the  Houfe.  After  report,  the  bill  fliall 
again  be  fubje^l  to  be  debated  and  amended  by  claufes^ 
before  a  queflion  to  engrofs  it  be  taken. 

All  amendments  made  to  an  original  motion  in 
committee,  fliall  be  incorporated  with  the  motion, 
and  fo  reported. 

All  amendments  made  to  a  report  committed  tcf  a 
committee  of  the  whole  Houfe,  fhall  be  noted  and 
reported  as  in  the  cafe  of  bills. 

All  queftions,  whether  in  committee,  or  in  the 
Hotife,  fliall  be  propounded  in  the  order  they  were 
moved,  except,  that  in  filling  up  blanks,  the  largefl: 
fum  and  longeil  time  fliall  be  firfl;  put. 

No  motion  or  propofition  for  a  tax,  or  charge 
upon  the  people,  fliall  be  difcufled  the  day  in  which 
it  is  made  or  offered,  and  every  fuch  propofition 
fliall  receive  its  firfl  difcuflion  in  a  committee  of  the 
whole  Houfe. 

No  fum  or  quantum  of  tax  or  duty,  voted  by  a 
committee  of  the  whole  Houfe,  fliall  be  increafed  in 
the  Houfe,  until  the  morion  or  propofition  for  fuch 
increafe  fliall  be  firfl  difcufled  and  voted  in  a  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  Houfe ;  and  fo  in  refpeft  to  the 
time  of  its  continuance. 

All  proceedings,  touching  appropriations  of  mo- 
ney, fliall  be  firfl  moved  and  difcufled  in  a  committee 
6f  the  whole  Houfe. 

The 


POLITICAL  REGISTE5L.  25 

The  rules  of  proceeding  in  the  Houfe  fliall  be 
obferved  in  committee,  fo  far  as  they  may  be  appli- 
cable, except  that  limiting  the  times  of  fpeaking. 

No  (landing  rule  or  order  of  the  Houfe  (hall  be 
refcinded  without  one  day's  notice  being  given  of 
the  motion  therefor. 

JOINT   RULES   AND  ORDERS   OF  THE   TWO    HOUSES. 

In  every  cafe  of  an  amendment  of  a  bill  agreed  to 
in  one  Houfe,  and  diffented  to  in  the  other,  if  either 
Houfe  (hall  requeft  a  conference,  and  appoint  a  com- 
mittee for  that  purpofe,  and  the  other  Houfe  fliall 
alfo  appoint  a  committee  to  confer,  fuch  committees 
fhall,  at  a  convenient  hour,  to  be  agreed  on  by 
their  Chairmen,  meet  in  the  conference  chamber, 
and  flate  to  each  other  verbally  or  in  writing,  as 
either  fliall  choofe,  the  reafons  of  their  refpe£live 
Houfes,  for  and  againft  the  amendment,  and  confer 
freely  thereon. 

Vv^hen  a  mefTage  fhall  be  fent  from  the  Senate  to 
the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives,  it  fliall  be  announced 
at  the  door  of  the  Houfe,  by  the  door-keeper,  and 
ftiall  be  refpeftfully  communicated  to  the  Chair,  by 
the  perfon  by  whom  it  may  be  fent. 

The  fame  ceremony  fliall  be  obferved,  when  a 
mefTage  fliall  be  fent  from  the  Houfe  of  Reprefenta- 
tives to  the  Senate. 

MefTages  flir.ll  be  fent  by  fuch  perfons,  as  a  fenfe 
cf  propriety,  in  each  Houfe,  may  determine  to  be 
proper. 

While  bills  are  on  their  pafTage  between  the  two 
Houfes,  they  fhall  be  on  paper,  and  unJer  the  fig- 
natnre  of  the  Secretary  or  Clerk  of  each  Houfe, 
refpeftively. 

After  a  bill  fhall  have  pafTed  both  Houfes,  it  fhall 
be  duly  inrclled  on  parchment,  by  the  Clerk  of  the 

Houfe 


16  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

Houfe  of  Reprefentatives,  or  the  Secretary  of  the 
Senate,  as  the  bill  may  have  originated  in  the  one  or 
the  other  Houfe,  before  it  (hall  be  prefented  to  the 
Prefident  of  the  United  States. 

When  bills  are  inrolled,  they  fliall  be  examined 
by  a  joint  committee,  of  one  from  the  Senate,  and 
two  from  the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives,  appointed 
as  a  (landing  committee  for  that  purpofe,  who  fliall 
carefully  compare  the  inrolment  with  the  engrolTed 
bills,  as  paffed  in  the  two  Houfes,  and  correcting 
any  errors  that  may  be  difcovered  in  the  inrolled 
bills,  make  their  report  forthwith  to  the  refpeClive 
Houfes. 

After  examination  and  report  each  bill  fhall  be 
figned  in  the  refpeftive  Houfes,  firft  by  the  Speaker 
of  the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives,  and  then  by  the 
Prefident  of  the  Senate. 

After  a  bill  fhall  have  thus  been  figned  in  each 
Houfe,  it  (hall  be  prefented  by  the  faid  committee 
to  the  prefident  of  the  United  States,  for  his  appro^ 
bation,  it  being  firfl  endorfed  on  the  back  of  the 
roll,  certifying  in  which  Houfe  the  fame  originated; 
which  endorfement  (hall  be  figned  by  the  fecretary  or 
clerk  (as  the  cafe  may  be)  of  the  Houfe  in  which  the 
fame  did  originate,  and  fliall  be  entered  on  the  jour^ 
nal  of  each  Houfe.  The  faid  committee  fliall  report 
the  day  of  prefentarion  to  the  Prefident,  which  time 
ftiall  alfo  be  carefully  entered  on  the  journal  of  each 
Houfe. 

All  orders,  refolutions,  and  votes,  which  are  to  be 
prefented  to  the  Prefident  of  the  United  States,  for 
his  approbation,  -fliall  alfo  in  the  fame  manner,  be 
prcvioufly  inrolled,  examined,  and  figned,  and  fliall 
be  prefented  in  the  fame  manner,  and  by  the  fame 
committee,  as  provided  in  cafe  of  bills. 

When  the  Senate,  and  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives 
ftiall  judge  it  proper  to  make  a  join:  addrefs  to  the 

Prefident, 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  27 

Prefident,  it  fliall  be  prefented  to  him  in  bis  audience 
chamber,  by  the  Prefident  of  the  Senate^  in  the 
prefence  of  the  Speaker,  and  both  Houfes. 

The  Houfe  then  went  into  a  committee,  Mr.  Trum- 
bull in  the  chair,  on  the  report  of  the  Secretary  at 
War,  on  the  petition  of  Peter  Covenhoven.  This 
unfortunate  man  had  been  a  fergeant  in  the  miiitia 
of  the  United  States,  during  the  late  war.  A  iliort 
time  after  his  being  called  out,  he  was  wounded  with 
a  mufket  ball  in  the  knee,  and  was  unable  for  a 
confiderable  time  to  walk,  even  upon  crutchcc-.  At 
laft,  his  wound  became  tolerably  cured,  and  he  was 
difmilTed  with  a  penfion.  But,  feme  years  ago,  his 
wound  broke  out  afrefh,  and  after  a  feries  of  excru- 
ciating tortures,  the  difafter  ended  with  an  amputation 
of  his  thigh.  The  bills  of  his  phyficians,  and  the 
extra  cxpcnce  of  fick  nurfes  came,  in  whole,  to  two 
hundred  and  nine  pounds. 

After  reading  the  report,  Mr.  Boudinot  propofed 
two  refolutions,  cne  for  granting  the  fum  of 
dollars  to  defray  the  expences  of  the  amputation  ; 
and  the  other  for  augmenting  his  penfion. 

Mr.  Swift  oppofed  the  refolutions,  as  there  was  no 
law  that  authorized  the  granting  of  the  money ;  and 
as  the  Houfe  had  no  title  to  perform  afts  of  charily, 
at  the  cxpence  of  their  condiments.  He  imagined, 
that  this  burden  (hculd  fall  on  the  particular  (late 
wherein  the  petitioner  refided. 

Mr.  Boudinot  contended  that  there  was  a  law  for 
this  raeafurc.  He  faid  that  it  had  always  been  cuf- 
tomary,  for  Congrefs  to  pay  the  expcnce  of  curing 
its  wounded  foldiers.  Even  when  the  foldiers  had 
no  hofpital,  to  which  they  could  go,  and  advanced 
the  money  out  of  their  own  pockets,  it  had  always 
been  repaid  by  government,  upon  application  for 
that  purpofe.     Nsw  the  cafe  of  Peter  Covenhoven 

came 


2g  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

came  cxaftly  within  this  defcription.  He  had  been 
difmifTed  as  cured,  and  with  a  lelTer  penllon  than  he 
would  have  been  entitled  to,  had  the  amputation 
taken  place  while  he  was  in  the  military  hofpital. 
He  had  been  confidered  as  a  perfon  who  could  ftill 
fupport  fome  part  of  his  own  expences  by  peifonal 
labour.  But  the  matter  turns  out  quite  otherwife. 
The  wound  is  not  cured,  for  it  breaks  out  in  a  very 
diflrefling  manner,  and  ends  in  the  lofs  of  a  limb.  It 
was  clear  that,  in  point  of  juftice,  the  man  had  two 
claims  ;  the  firfl  for  the  expence  attending  his  cure, 
and  the  fecond  for  an  augmentation  of  his  penfion, 
fince  he  was  now  completely  difabled.  He  had  been 
for  fome  years  incapable  of  (landing,  even  upon 
crutches.  It  was  plain  that  the  Houfe  were  liable 
to  pay  the  expences  of  his  wound ;  and  as  to  the 
falary,  it  was  only  by  an  accident  that  he  was  entered 
in  the  lift  of  penfioners  before  the  wound  broke  out 
afrefli,  and  that  otherwife  he  would  have  been  put 
on  the  higheft  rate. 

Mr.  Swift  replied.  He  was  not  convinced  by  any 
thing  that  had  been  advanced  ;  as  to  the  Do61:or*s 
bills,  he  was  not  fure  about  their  accuracy. 

Dr.  Beatty  faid  he  could  anfv/er  to  the  Houfe  for 
that.     He  had  advlfed  the  amputation. 

The  firfl  refolution,  viz.  for  paying  the  bills,  was 
agreed  to  by  a  majority  of  37  againfi:  20.  The  com- 
mittee rofe.  The  Chairman  reported  the  Refolution, 
and  Mr.  Beatty,  Mr.  Blount,  and  Mr.  Holten,  were 
appointed  to  prepare  and  bring  in  a  bill. 

The  fecond  refolution,  for  augmenting  the  falary 
of  Mr.  Covenhoven,  was  poftponed. 

The  Speaker  informed  the  Houfe,  that  there  was 
not  yet  any  appearance  of  a  quorum  in  the  Senate. 
No  new  member  of  that  Houfe  had  arrived,  and  one 
cf  thofe  here  had  fallen  fick. 

At  half  pafl  one  o'clock  the  Houfe  adjourned. 

FRIDAY, 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  ap 


FRIDAY,  the  14th  of  November,  1794. 

Several  other  members,  to  wit ;  from 
Majfachufetts,  Samuel  Dexter  j 
Virginia,  Abraham  Venable  ; 
And  from  Kentucky,  Alexander  D.  Orr,  appeared, 

and  took  their  feats  in  the  Houfe. 

Mr.  Baldwin,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was 
referred  the  letter  from.  James  White,  inclofmg  the 
credentials  of  his  appointment  as  a  reprefentative  of 
the  territory  of  the  United  States,  fouth  of  the  river 
Ohio,  made  a  report,  which  was  read.  The  report 
recommended  his  admiflion  as  a  delegate  in  Con- 
grefs  ;  but,  in  conformity  to  a  previous  regulation 
of  the  legiflature,  that  he  fliould  only  be  admitted^ 
as  a  delegate  from  the  South  Weftern  territory,  to 
the  privilege  of  debating,  not  of  voting. 

Mr.  Parker  then  moved  for  a  fecond  reading  of 
the  report,  which  was  done.  He  next  moved  for  a 
committee  of  the  whole  Houfe  on  Monday,  to 
take  up  the  fubjeft,  which  palTed  in  the  alErmative, 
The  report  was  ordered  to  be  printed  for  the  ufe  df 
the  members. 

Mr.  Dayton  moved  that  a  committee  of  claims 
ftiould  be  appointed.  Seven  members,  Mr.  Tracey, 
Mr.  Fofler,  Mr.  Malbone,  Mr.  Montgomery,  Mr. 
Heath,  Mr.  Chriftic,  and  Mr.  Mebane,  were  named. 
It  was  moved  to  adjourn  till  Monday.  Mr.  Parker 
oppofedfo  long  an  adjournment,  as  the  Senate  would 
perhaps  form  a  quorum  to-morrow.  The  morion 
paffed  in  the  affirmaiive,  and  the  Houfe  adjourned 
till  Monday. 


MONDAY, 


3©  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

MONDAY,  the  17th  cf  November,  1794. 

Two  Other  members,  to  wit ;  From 
Rhode-IJland^  Benjamin  Bourne ; 
And  from  South-Carolina,  Andrew  Pickens,  appeared, 

and  took  their  feats  in  the  Houfe. 

The  memorial  of  M.  Egron,  author  of  a  new  pub- 
lication entitled,  The  Level  of  Europe  and  America^ 
was  read.  This  gentleman  reprefented  that  his  work 
would  be  of  confiderable  utility,  in  making  the  na- 
tives of  Europe  acquainted  with  the  peculiar  advan- 
tages of  this  country.  An  exienfive  correfpondence 
was,  he  faid,  neceiTary  for  obtaining  that  degree  of 
information  requifite  for  the  completion  of  his  plan, 
which  promifed  to  be  of  general  utility.  In  confi- 
deration  of  thefe  circumftances,  he  requefted  pei* 
milTion  for  his  letters  to  pafs  to  and  from  his  corref- 
pondents  free  from  poflage.  The  memorial  was 
ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Mr.  Giles  then  rofe,  and  expreffed  his  wifh  that 
this  bufmefs  might  be  difpofed  of  immediately.  The 
Speaker  replied,  that  as  it  had  already  been  ordered 
by  the  Houfe,  that  the  memorial  ihould  lie  on  the 
table,  it  could  not  be  read  a  fecond  time,  but  by 
fpecial  order.  He  at  the  fame  time  gave  notice  that 
the  Senate  had  not,  this  day,  been  yet  able  to  form 
a  quorum. 

A  petition  of  Joab  Stafford,  of  the  county  of 
Harkemer,  in  the  (late  of  New-York,  was  prcfented 
to  the  Houfe,  by  Mr.  Lyman,  and  read,  praying  to 
be  allowed  an  arrearage  of  penfion  due  to  him  as  a 
captain  in  the  army  of  the  United  States,  during  the 
late  war,  or  fuch  other  ccmpenfation  in  lieu  "thereof, 
as  the  wifdom  of  Congrefs  fliall  feem  meet.  Or- 
dered, That  the  faid  petition,  together  with  the 
petition  of  George  Campbell,  which  lay  on  the  table, 
be  referred  to  the  committee  of  claims. 

Mr. 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  2i 

Mr.  New  next  moved,  that  the  Houfe  fhould 
proceed  to  the  order  of  the  day,  upon  the  report 
of  the  fele6l  committee,  on  the  cafe  of  Mr.  James 
White,  delegate  from  the  territory  of  the  United 
States,  fouih  of  the  Ohio. 

The  Houfe  accordingly  went  into  a  comiruitee, 
Mr.  Trumbull  in  the  chair  j  and  the  report  was 
read. 

As  the  debate  on  this  report  has  been  the  firft  of 
any  confiderable  length,  during  the  prefent  feffion, 
we  beg  leave,  in  this  out-fet  of  our  undertaking,  to 
make  fome  preliminary  remarks,  that  the  plan  on 
which  we  proceed,  and  the  difficulties  that  are  to  be 
met  with,  may  be  the  more  fully  comprehended,  and 
that  the  occafional  raiflakes  into  which  we  ?nu/l  fall, 
jnay  be  the  more  readily  forgiven. 

Gentlemen  are  fometimes  apt  to  fpeak  {o  low,  that 
it  is  next  to  impoffible  to  hear  them.  Other  members 
find  it  neceifary  to  afk  an  explanation.  The  lofs  of 
only  five  words,  is  often  fufficient  to  make  a  long 
feries  of  remarks  unintelligible.  A  perfon  who 
merely  takes  notes  in  a  debate,  cannot  alk  members 
what  they  have  been  faying  ?  and  it  is  better  to  drop 
a  fpeech,  or  part  of  a  fpeech,  than  to  fill  up  a  chafm 
bv  an  effort  of  imagination.  The  caution  abfolutely 
requifite  on  this  head,  will,  to  every  candid  mind, 
form  a  fatisfa6lory  apology  for  frequent  deficiencies. 
Again,  even  when  members  think  thai  they  have 
diftinftly  heard  a  fpeech,  and  begin  to  reply,  it  often 
falls  out,  both  in  the  Britiili  parliament,  and  in  the 
Houfe  of  Reprefentatives  of  Congrefs,  that  they  are 
interrupted,  as  having  mifquoted  the  gentleman  who 
fpoke  before  them.  In  this  cafe  alfo,  a  reporter  is 
reduced  to  inextricable  difficulty. 

In  the  laft  place,  a  certain  portion  only  of  a  daily 
newfpaper  can  be  affigned  for  a  Iketch  of  this  kind  ; 
and  hence  much  abbreviation  is  necefiary.     Recur- 

rirg 


32  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

ring  to  one  of  our  concluding  paragraphs  in  the  end 
of  lad  feffion,  it  mufl  again  be  obferved,  that  the 
Editor  "  has  neither  time  to  print,  nor  have  the 
*'  public  time  to  read  every  word  fpoken.'*  The 
debates  of  this  day,  for  inflance,  if  taken  verbatim, 
would  fill  more  than  twenty  columns.  The  very 
fight  of  fuch  a  wildernefs  of  words,  would  deter  any 
reader  of  ordinary  courage  from  attempting  a  perufal. 
The  only  thing  that  remains  is  to  make  as  few  errors 
as  poflible ;  and  when  pointed  out,  of  which  a  fmall 
number  of  inftances  occurred  in  laft  feffion,  they  will 
always  be  chearfully  and  inftantly  acknowledged  and 
corrected. 

From  this  digrefifion  we  return  to  the  proceedings 
of  the  committee  of  the  whole  Houfe,  on  the  report 
of  the  feleft  committee,  as  to  the  admifijon  of  Mr. 
James  White  for  a  delegate  to  Congrefs. 

Mr.  Vans  Murray  moved  that  the  committee  fliould 
rife,  and  that  the  difcuffion  of  this  bufmefs  fhould  be 
deferred  till  the  Senate  had  made  a  quorum. 

Mr.  Nicholas  thought  that  the  queflion  had  been 
mifunderftood.  He  faw  no  difficulty  in  admitting 
Mr.  White  to  poflefficn  of  a  feat.  He  regarded  it 
only  as  puting  an  a6fua1  law  into  execution.  Neither 
the  Senate,  nor  the  Houfe  of  Reprcfentatives,  had 
it  in  their  power  to  contravene  this  law.  This  ap- 
peared to  be  the  fubftance  of  what  the  member 
faid. 

Mr.  Swift  objefted  to  complying  with  the  report 
of  the  committee.  He  thought  that  it  could  not  be 
carried  into  execution,  bccaufe  it  involved  inconfif- 
tencies.  If  the  object  of  the  law  referred  to,  was  to 
admit  this  perfon  to  debate,  and  not  to  vote,  that 
was  unconfHtutional.  He  was,  by  that  law,  to  be 
a  metnber  of  Congrefs,  but  the  Houfe  of  reprcfenta- 
tives arc  not  Congrefs  ;  and  therefore  this  perfon 
may  equally  vote  in  the  Houfe  of  Reprefcntatives 
I  and 


POLrriCAL  REGISTER.  33 

and  in  the  Senate  ;  while  at  the  fame  time,  he  may- 
interrupt  the  Prefident  confenting  to  a  bill,  by- 
giving  his  advice.  The  conflitution  has  made  no 
provifion  for  fuch  a  member  as  this  perfon  is  intend- 
ed to  be.  If  we  can  admit  a  delegate  to  Congrefs 
as  a  member  of  the  Hoiife  of  Reprefentatives,  we 
may  with  equal  propriety  admit  a  ftranger  from  any 
quarter  of  the  world.  We  may  as  well  admit  ftran- 
gers  from  the  gallery,  or  a  foreign  minider,  as  this 
perfon  from  the  territory  South-weft  of  the  Ohio, 
At  this  rate,  we  may  very  foon  ovenurn  the  con- 
ftitution.  If  this  perfon  has  any  proper  title  to  a 
feat,  it  muft  be  in  the  Senate.  It  could  not  be  in 
the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives,  who  were  not  dele- 
gates. The  Senate  perhaps  might  be  called  fuch. 
His  election  was  nearer  the  mode  of  theirs,  than 
that  of  this  Houfe. 

Mr.  W.  Smith  (S.  Carolina,)  had  no  difficulty  in 
declaring,  that  the  gentleman  was  fully  qualified  to 
take  a  feat  in  that  Houfe,  by  the  terms  of  an  exprefs 
compaft  with  the  people.  He  was  convinced  that 
the  Reprefentatives  have  a  right  to  admit  thofe, 
whom  they  regard  as  lawfully  entitled,  to  a  feat  in 
the  Houfe,  for  the  purpofe  of  debating.  They  may 
•admit  the  Secretary  of  State,  if  they  conlider  it  as 
expedient.  If  this  gentleman  had  applied  to  the 
Senate,  that  body  alfo  were  authorized  to  admit 
him,  if  they  thought  it  lawful.  Under  the  old  con- 
ftitution,  he  Vv'ould  have  been  a  member  fiii  generis. 
He  does  not  claim  a  right  of  voting,  but  of  fpeaking 
only  ;  and  when  the  aifairs  of  the  South-weflern 
Territory  were  agitated  in  the  Senate,  he  had  a  right 
in  Mr.  Smith's  judgment,  to  fpcak  and  debate,  in 
that  houfe  alfo.  Mr.  Smith  v/iflied  that  there  had 
been  previoully  fettled  another  part  of  this  bufmefs, 
viz.  by  whom  the  delegate  was  to  be  paid  for  his 

D  attendance  ? 


'34  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

attendance  ?  It  may  be  a  future  queftion  alfo,  whe- 
ther he  is  to  be  difmifled  when  the  galleries  arc 
cleared  ? 

Mr.  Giles  was  not  prepared  to  fpeak  on  the  fub- 
jc£l.  On  the  fcore  of  expediency,  his  prefent  opi- 
nion \vd.s  that  the  delegate  from  the  South-weft  of 
the  Ohio  fhould  be  admitted.  He  had  no  objection 
to  the  motion  cf  the  member  from  Maryland,  (Mr. 
Murray),  for  the  committee  rifmg,  but  he  would 
never  confent  to  it  for  the  fake  of  confulting  the 
Senate.  He  would  agree  to  it  for  the  fake  of  farther 
deliberation  among  members  themfelves.  If  theHoufe 
chofe  to  confult  the  gallery^  a  refource  for  information 
that  he  fhould  never  wifli  to  fee  adopted,  they  had 
a  right  to  confult  it,  or  to  afk  advice  from  any 
other  quarter,  notwithftanding  the  alTertion  of  the 
gentleman  from  Connecticut.  Mr.  Giles  fpoke  fo 
low,  that,  in  fome  pans  of  the  houfe,  he  was  heard 
with  difficulty. 

Mr.  Dexter  was  of  opinion  that  the  obftacle 
fliould  be  got  over  by  a  formal  aft  of  the  legifla- 
ture.  He  was  clear  that  the  Houfe  had  a  right 
to  confult,  or  admit  to  the  privilege  of  debating, 
any  individual  whom  they  thought  proper.  They 
might,  for  inftance,  admit  an  advocate  to  plead,  in 
a  particular  cafe,  but  that  was  entirely  a  different 
matter  from  allowing  him  to  give  a  vote,  on  the 
queftion  before  the  Houfe.  Mr.  Dexter  declared 
that  he  would  vote  againft  the  report,  as  it  now 
itands,  not  becaufe  he  thought  the  gentleman  from 
the  South- weftern  Terrirory  unentitled  to  a  feat, 
but  becaufe  he  regarded  an  a6l  of  the  whole  legifla- 
turc  as  requifiie  for  his  introduction. 

It  was  now  moved,  that  the  committee  fliould 
rife,  and  report  the  rcfoluiion  of  the  feleft  com- 


mittee. 


Mr. 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  35 

Mr.  W.  Smith  differed  from  Mr.  Dexter.  He 
thought  the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives  was,  in  itfelf, 
perfectly  competent  to  fettle  the  point.  He  was  de- 
termined that  they  ought  not  to  confuk  the  Senate 
upon  the  matter.  It  would  be  extremely  improper 
to  let  the  Senaie  interfere.  He  again  adverted  to 
his  former  pofition,  that  the  Houfe  may,  if  it  fees 
proper,  introduce  the  Secretary  of  State  to  a  privi- 
lege of  being  confulted,  or  any  other  perfon  who 
may  be  thought  fuitable.  But  he  would  never  fub- 
mit  to  yield  the  privileges  of  the  Houfe  to  the  Exe- 
tive.  They  ought  to  decide  their  eleftions  on  their 
own  authority ;  and  on  no  occafion  fend  to  enquire 
of  the  Senate,  if  fuch  an  amendment  ought  to  be 
admitted.  Mr.  Smith  confidered  the  gentleman 
(Mr.  White)  as  exprefsly  within  the  prefent  Confti- 
tution.  He  trufted  that  the  committee  would  not 
rife,  under  any  fuch  idea  as  confulting  the  Senate  ; 
but,  if  they  at  prefent  rife,  that  it  would  be  merely 
for  the  fake  of  obtaining  further  information. 

Mr.  Vans  Murray. — "  If  we  could  have  forefeen 
*'  this  cafe,  I  am  fure  that  we  Ihould  have  had  a 
*'  joint  committee  of  privileges  from  both  Houfes, 
"  as  judges.  The  fituation  of  the  gentleman  refers 
"  to  both,  and  therefore  the  Senate  ought  to  be 
*'  confulted  on  this  head.  Perhaps  he  is  entitled 
*'  to  a  feat  in  both  houfes.'*  Mr.  Murray  fJDoke 
rather  low,  and  this,  added  to  fome  accidental  noife, 
made  him  be  lefs  diftintStly  heard. 

Mr.  M'Dowell  objefted,  that  an  aft  of  the  legif- 
lature  would  never,  praftically,  anfwer  the  purpofe. 
The  feffion  would  be  next  to  ending,  before  fuch  a 
law  could  be  pad.  In  the  mean  lime,  the  intereft 
of  the  people  South-weft  of  the  Ohio  is  agitated  in  a 
queftion,  and  their  delegate  is  condemned  to  filence. 
The  members  generally  admit,  in  fubftance,  that 
he  ought  to  be  received  into  the  Houfe.  He  wiflied 
D  2  therefore 


3<5  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

therefore  that  they  would  take  a  vote  on  the  refolu- 
tion  of  the  fcledl  coramrttee.  He  would  objeft  al- 
together to  the  propofal  of  the  member  from  Mary- 
land, for  an  aft  of  the  legiflature,  or  any  confulta- 
tion  with  the  Senate.  Mr.  M'Dowell  was  for  ad- 
mitting the  gentleman  to  his  feat. 

Mr.  Boudinot  obferved  that  it  was  univerfaliy 
agreed  that  the  old  law  for  accepting  fuch  a  mem- 
ber as  a  delegate  of  Congrefs  cannot  be  executed  in 
its  full  fenfe.  The  gentleman  ought,  in  his  opinion, 
to  go,  where  members  elefted  by  legiflatures  went, 
that  is  to  fay,  to  the  Senate.  There  was  no  pre- 
tence for  his  admilTion  among  the  Reprefentatives  of 
the  people.  If  he  had  any  right,  it  mufl  be  in  the 
other  Houfe.  He  thought  this  a  very  important 
queftion,  and  that  it  deferved  more  confideration 
than  it  had  yet  received.  Mr.  Boudinot  was  not 
prepared  to  vote ;  but  if  he  was  forced  to  give  his 
voice,  at  prefent,  he  fliould  be  for  remitting  the 
gentleman  to  the  Senate.  He  thought  that  there 
fliould  be  an  aft  of  the  whole  legiflature.  He  (hould 
vote  for  the  committee  rifmg. 

Mr.  Dayton  faid  that  he  fhould  vote  againfl:  the 
motion  of  the  Maryland  member  for  the  rifmg  of 
the  committee.  He  was  againfl:  the  objeft  of  this 
motion.  He  agreed  entirely  with  the  report  of  the 
feleft  committee  for  receiving  the  South-weftern  mem- 
ber immediately,  as  he  had  a  right  to  a  feat  founded 
on  an  original  compaft,  which  gave  it  to  him.  He 
objefted  to  any  concurrence  of  the  Senate  being 
aflced.  As  to  confulting  perfons  out  of  doors,  the 
Houfe  had  a  right  to  call  heads  of  departments  to 
give  their  opinions  on  any  particular  fubjeft,  if  they 
faw  it  proper.  Mr.  Dayton  mentioned  fome  cafes 
of  this  nature,  where  fuch  an  expedient  had  been 
wfed. 


Mr. 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  37 

Mr.  Giles  mentioned  one  rcafon  againft  the  com- 
mittee rifing,  which  was,  that  the  Houfe  had  no 
other  bufmefs  before  it.  He  then  read  an  amend- 
ment on  the  refolution  of  the  fe!e£l  committee,  as  a 
middle  courfe,  that  would  embrace  the  ideas  of  all 
parties. 

Mr.  Dexter  repeated  fome  of  his  former  reafons 
for  preferring  an  a«St  of  the  legiilature.  The  quef'- 
tion  was  called  for,  and  put  by  the  chairman.  Shall 
the  committee  now  rife  and  report  progrefs  ? 

Yeas     38 
Najs     39 

Majority  againft  the  motion  i 

The  queftion  was  then  put  on  the  refolution,  as 
given  by  the  committee.  M.  Giles  again  propofed 
•his  amendment.  This  was,  that,  after  the  word 
debating,  in  the  refolution,  there  fnould  be  added — 
"  upon  any  queftion  touching  the  rights  and  interefts 
"  of  people  in  the  territory  of  the  United  States, 
"  South-weft  of  the  Ohio."  The  obje£l  was  to  nar- 
row the  power  of  the  delegate. 

Mr.  Smilie  was  for  his  being  either  admitted  to 
deliberate  on  every  fubje£l:  or  on  none  at  all. 

Mr.  Giles  declared  that  he  was  very  well  pleafed 
with  the  refolution,  as  it  originally  ftood.  He  had 
only  fuggefted  this  amendment,  that  he  might  get 
the  refolution  through  the  Houfe.  He  therefore 
withdrew  his  motion. 

Mr.  Baldwin  did  not  fee  that  the  queftion  was  of 
much  importance.  When  a  member  was  permitted 
to  fpeak,  but  forbidden  to  vote,  his  fituation  was, 
no  doubt,  infinitely  higher,  than  that  of  ftrangers 
in  the  gallery,  that  of  an  advocate  allowed  to  plead 
at  the  bar  of  the  houfe,  or  that  of  a  printer,  who 
came  only  to  take  notes,  but  ftill,  it  was  extremely 
D  3  (hort 


38  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

fliort  of  the  fituation  of  a  member  of  Congrefs.  This 
would  be  more  efpecially  the  cafe,  if  his  right  of 
debating  was  reftrifted  to  the  affairs  of  the  North- 
weft  and  South-weft  Territory.  Mr.  Baldwin  could 
fee  nothing  in  the  new  conftitution,  that  created  an 
exclufion  of  the  delegate  from  the  South-weft  of 
the  Ohio.  This  privilege  had  been  folemnly  pro- 
mifed,  to  thcfe  people,  upon  three  different  occa- 
fions.  When  they  belonged  to  the  ftate  of  South 
Carolina,  they  fent  a  Reprefentative,  Mr.  Sevier^ 
to  Congrefs  ;  and  they  feparated  into  a  new  ftate, 
under  the  promife  of  this  privilege.  But  now,  we 
have  made  a  difcovery  that  thefe  laws  cannot  be  put 
into  execution.  It  is  a  great  pity  that  we  had  not 
found  out  this  difcovery  fooner.  Mr.  Baldwin  re- 
jefted  all  idea  of  referring  this  matter  to  the  Senate. 
When  the  latter  had  any  queftion  of  that  kind,  that 
concerned  themfelves,  they  would  no  doubt  judge 
for  themfelves ;  and  that  juft  as  properly  as  the 
Houfe  of  Reprefentatives.  As  to  the  pay  of  this 
gentleman,  that  might  be  an  after  queftion.  He 
was  clear  that  there  at  prefent  exifted  no  law,  which 
could  make  out  that.  The  Houfe  may  hereafter, 
if  they  fee  fit,  pafs  a  law  refpefting  it.  But,  in  the 
mean  time,  Mr.  Baldwin  was  fatisfied  that  thefe  peo- 
ple had  a  claim  for  a  delegate,  which  could  not  be 
got  rid  of  by  the  houfe. 

Mr.  Swift  thought  that  it  would  be  better  to  ereft 
thefe  people  into  a  new  ftate,  and  then  the  privi- 
lege would  be  of  fome  real  ufe  to  them.  He  was 
ftill  of  opinion  that  the  conftitution  admits  of  no 
fuch  delegate,  as  this  perfon  is  intended  to  be.  He 
is  a  new  kind  of  character  unknown  to  it.  This 
perfon  \s,fui  generis.  If  the  conftitution  knows  any 
thing  about  him,  then  take  him.  If  not,  reje£l  him. 
As  to  taking  advice  from  the  gallery,  Mr.  Swift 
ieemed  to  think  that  he  had  been  mifnnderftood. 

To 


■   POIXriCAL  REGISTER.  39 

To  admit  a  perfoa  within  the  b:ir  for  the  purpofe  of 
confiilting  him,  was  a  quite  different  thing  from  per- 
mitting the  gallery,  like  this  perfcn,  to  come  and 
lake  a  permanent  feat  among  the  members  for  the 
purpofe  of  regularly  debating.  Mr.  Swift  never 
meant  to  debar  the  houfe  from  taking^  information 
wherever  they  could  find  it. 

Mr.  Murray  was  concerned  that  he  found  himfelf 
obliged  to  vote  againll  the  refolution  of  the  commit- 
tee. He  dill  hoped  that  the  gentleman  would  have 
a  feat,  but  that  the  Senate  would  iirli  be  confulted. 

Mr.  Wingate  moved  an  amendment  to  the  re- 
folution, by  adopting  thefe  words,  "  to  a  feat  in 
"  Congrefs  as  a  delegate  to  Congrefs.'*  Mr.  Parker 
alfo  propofed  a  flight  amendment,  which  an  acci- 
dental noife  prevented  us  from  hearing. 

Mr.  Madifon  faid  that  the  refolution,  as  pafTed 
by  the  {e\e£i  committee,  was  fo  properly  exprefTed, 
that  he  did  not  believe  it  could  adijiit  of  any  amend- 
ment or  alteration  whatever. 

The  committee  of  the  whole  Houfe  then  divided 
on  the  refolution,  when  there  appeared  a  very  large 
majority  in  favour  of  reporting  it  as  it  firfl  flood ; 
and  confequently  for  admitting  Mr.  White  as  a  de- 
legate. 

The  committee  then  rofe ;  and,  without  difcuf- 
fmg  the  refolution  in  the  Houfe,  they  at  two  o'clock, 
adjourned, 

TUESDAY,  the  i8th  of  November,  1794. 

Another  member,  to  wit ;  Theodore  Sedgwick, 
from  Ma/fachif/etts,  appeared,  and  took  his  feat  in 
the  Houfe. 

Mr.  Claibourne  laid  the  following  motion  on  the 
table ; 

D  4  That 


40  •  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  bring  in  a  bill 
to  increafe  the  pay  and  regulate  the  other  allowances 
hereafter  to  be  given  to  non-commillioned  officers, 
muficians  and  privates  of  the  troops  on  the  military 
eftablifliraent  of  the  United  States,  and  of  the  mili- 
tia, when  called  into  aftual  fervice,  and  to  afcertain 
the  time  when  the  pay  of  the  militia  fliall  in  future 
commence,  and  to  make  farther  and  more  ample 
provifion  for  the  pay  of  the  militia  on  the  prefent 
expedition  to  Fort  Pitt. 

A  memorial  of  James  Crawford,  of  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,  merchant,  was  prefented  to  the  Houfe 
and  read,  praying  that  a  new  regifter  may  be  grant- 
ed in  the  cafe  of  the  brig  Betfy,  an  American  bot- 
tom, taken  by  the  Britiih  at  Saint  Pierre's  in  the 
ifland  of  Martinique,  in  the  month  of  February  lafl: ; 
the  faid  brig  being  condemned,  and  her  original 
regifter  detained  by  the  captors. 

Ordered,  That  the  faid  memorial,  with  the  peti- 
tion of  Samuel  Emery,  which  lay  on  the  table,  be 
referred  to  Mr.  Fitzfimmons,  Mr.  Goodhue,  and 
Mr.  Cadwalader,  to  examine,  and  report  to  the 
Houfe. 

Mr.  Dayton  then  moved  that  the  Houfe  Ihould 
take  up  the  report  of  the  committee  of  the  whole 
Hoi.fe,  on  the  credentials  of  Mr.  James  White. 
The  report  was  agreed  to  by  the  Houfe,  and  the 
rcfolution  with  which  it  concludes,  was  ordered  to 
be  ferved  upon  Mr.  White.  The  report  was  in 
thefe  words : 

That  by  the  ordinance  for  the  government  of  the 
territory  or  the  United  States  North-weft  of  the  river 
Ohio,  fe^lion  9,  it  is  provided,  "  that  fo  foon  as 
"  there  Oiali  be  five  thoufand  free  male  inhabitants 
"  of  full  age  in  the  diftri6l,  upon  giving  proof  there- 
**  of  to  the  governor,  they  ihall  receive  authority 
*'  to  cleft  Reprefentatives  to  reprefent  them  in  a 

"  general 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  41 

*^  general  affembly;"  and  by  the  I2th  fe<fiian  of 
the  ordinance,  "  a'^  foon  as  a  legiflarure  fliall  be 
*'  formed  in  the  diftri6>,  the  Council  and  Houfe  af- 
*'  fembled  in  one  room  fhall  have  authority,  by  joint 
"  ballot,  to  ele£l  a  delegate  to  Ccngrefs,  who  ihall 
"  have  a  feat  in  Congrefs,  with  a  right  of  debating, 
*'  but  not  of  voting,  during  this  temporary  govern- 
"  ment."  Full  effeft  is  given  to  this  ordinance  by 
2.£i  of  Congrefs,  Auguft  7,   1789. 

That  by  the  deed  of  ceffion  of  the  territory  South 
of  the  river  Ohio,  to  the  United  States,  in  the, 
fourth  article  it  is  alfo  provided,  "  that  the  inhabi- 
"  tants  of  the  laid  territory  iliall  enjoy  all  the  privi- 
"  leges,  benefits  and  advantages  fet  forth  in  the 
"  ordinance  of  the  late  Congrefs  for  the  government 
"  of  the  Weftern  territory  ;  that  is  to  fay,  Congrefs 
"  ihall  affume  the  government  of  the  faid  territory, 
"  which  they  dial!  execute  in  a  manner  fimilar  to 
"  that  which  they  fupport  in  the  territory  v/eft  of 
"  the  Ohio,  and  fliall  never  bar  or  deprive  them  of 
"  any  privilege  which  the  people  in  the  territory 
"  weO:  of  the  Ohio  enjoy." 

ThecefTion  on  thefe  conditions  was  accepted  by 
a£i:  of  Congrefs  on  the  2d  of  April  179c. 

By  an  a6t  paiTcd  the  26th  May  1790,  for  the  go- 
vernment of  the  territory  of  the  United  States  South 
of  the  river  Ohio,  it  is  enabled,  "  that  the  inhabi- 
"  tants  Ihall  enjoy  all  the  privileges,  benefits  and  ad- 
"  vantages  fet  forth  in  the  ordinance  of  the  late 
*'  Congrefs,  for  the  governinent  of  the  territory  of 
"  the  United  States  North-weft  of  the  river  Ohio. 
"  And  the  government  of  the  faid  territory  South  of 
"  the  Ohio,  dial!  be  fimilar  to  that  which  is  now 
"  exercifed  in  the  territory  North-well  of  the  river 
"  Ohio  ;  except  fo  far  as  is  otherwife  provided  in 
"  the  conditions  expreffcd  in  an  aft  of  Congrefs  of 
*^  the  prefent  fefiion,  intituled,  "  An  Aft  to  accept 

"  a  ccf- 


42  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

"  a  ceilion  of  the  claim  of  the  flate  of  Horth-Caro- 
'^^  lina  to  a  certain  diftrifl  of  weftern  territory." 
The  committee  are  of  opinion,  that  James  White, 
has  been  duly  eleftcd  as  delegate  from  the  territory 
of  the  United  States  South  of  the  Ohio,  on  the 
terms  of  the  foregoing  acls  :  they  therefore  fubmit 
the  following:  refolution. 

Refohed,  That  James  White  be  admitted  to  a 
feat  in  this  Houfe,  as  a  delegate  from  the  territory 
of  the  United  States  South  of  the  river  Ohio,  with 
a  right  of  debating,  but  not  of  voting. 

Some  converfation  then  arofe,  refpefting  the 
mode  of  admitting  Mr.  White  to  take  his  heat. 

Mr.  Murray  fpoke,  but  fo  low  that  he  could  not 
be  heard. 

Mr.  Madifon  faid,  that  in  new  cafes,  there  often 
arofe  a  difficulty  by  applying  old  names  to  new 
things.  The  proper  definition  of  Mr.  White  is  to 
be  found  in  the  laws  and  rules  of  the  conftitution. 
He  is  not  a  member  of  Congrefs,  therefore,  and  fo 
cannot  be  directed  to  take  an  oath,  unlefs  he  choofes 
to  do  it  voluntarily. 

Mr.  Murray  moved  that  Mr.  White  (hould  be 
required  to  take  the  oath. 

Mr.  W.  Smith  obferved  that  the  conftitution  only 
required  members,  and  the  clerk  to  take  the  oath. 
The  gentleman  was  not  a  member.  It  does  not 
even  appear  for  what  number  of  years  he  is  elected. 
In  fa£t,  he  is  no  more  than  an  envoy  to  Congrefs, 
Inflead  of  being  called  a  delegate  to  Congrefs,  had  he 
been  plainly  called  an  envoy,  the  difficulty  would 
have  vanillied.  He  is  not  a  Reprcfentative,  from,  but 
an  officer  deputed  by  the  people  of  the  South-wcflcrn 
territory.  It  is  very  improper  to  call  on  this  gentle- 
jnan  to  take  fuch  an  oath,  any  more  than  any  civil 
officer  in  the  flatc  of  Penufylvania.  Mr.  Smith  did 
not  conlider  him  as  coining  even  within  the  Pofl:- 

Office 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  43 

Office  law,  (viz.  for  franking  letters.)  He  is  not 
entitled  to  piiy,  unlefs  a  law  fliall  be  pafled  for  that 
end. 

Mr.  Giles  agreed  with  the  gentleman  who  fpokc 
laft,  as  to  the  impropriety  of  demanding  an  oath. 
Mr.  Lyman  was  for  it.  Both  thefe  members  fpoke 
fo  low  that  they  were  not  diftinftly  heard. 

Mr.  Dayton  was  againft  the  oath.  Call  him  what 
you  will,  a  member,  a  delegate,  or  if  you  pleafe,  a 
non-defcript.  It  would  be  wrong  to  accept  his  oath, 
even  if  he  fliould  offer  it.  He  is  not  a  member. 
He  cannot  vote,  which  is  the  effential  part.  It  is 
faid  that  he  can  argue,  and  by  that  means  influence 
the  votes  of  the  Houfe.  But  fo  alfo  a  printer  may 
be  faid  to  argue  and  influence,  when  he  comes  to 
this  Houfe,  takes  notes,  and  publiflies  them  in  the 
newfpapers. 

Mr.  Boudinot.  As  the  Houfe  had  fet  out  on  a 
WTong  principle,  it  was  natural  that,  in  their  fub- 
fequent  progrefs,  they  fliould  wander  further  and 
further  from  the  point.  But  as  the  Houfe  had  now 
given  their  decifion,  he  acquiefced  in  it.  It  was, 
however,  a  flrange  kind  of  thing  to  ha:ve  a  gentle- 
man here  arguing,  who  v/as  not  bound  by  an  oath. 
He  never  could  reconcile  it. 

Sever  other  members  fpoke.  The  Houfe  divided 
on  the  quefl:ion,  fliall  the  delegate  take  an  oath  as 
a  member. 

Ayes  32 

Noes  42 

Majority  againfl:  the  motion  10 

There  were  at  this  time  two  mcflTages  one  after 
the  other  from  the  Senate  to  the  Houfe  of  Repre- 
fentatives.  The  firfl:  informed  that  they  had  made 
a  quorum,  and  the  fecond,  that  they  had  named  a 
committee  to  wait  on  the  Prefidcnt,  in  conjunction 

with 


44  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

with  a  committee  from  the  Reprefenuuives,  and  to 
acquaint  Jiim,  that  they  were  ready  to  receive  any 
communication  from  him. 

The  Committee  from  the  Senate  v/ere  Mr.  Izard, 
and  Mr.  Langdon.  Mr.  Boudinot,  Mr.  Dearbourne, 
and  Mr.  Gihnan  were  named  by  the  Speaker,  on 
the  part  of  the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives. 

On  the  motion  of  Mr.  Giles,  the  petition  of  M. 
Pierre  Egron  was  read  a  fecond  time,  and  referred 
to  Mr.  William  Smith,  Mr.  Murray,  and  Mr.  Ma- 
difon,  to  examine  and  report. 

Mr.  Dayton  moved  that  two  chaplains  of  differ- 
ent denominations,  (hould  be  appointed  to  Congrefs, 
for  the  prefent  Seffion,  one  by  each  Houfe,  to  in- 
terchange weekly.  This  was  agreed  to,  and  the 
clerk  of  the  Houfe  was  direfted  to  carry  the  rcfo- 
lution  to  the  Senate,  and  defire  their  concurrence. 

Mr.  Parker  moved  that  a  committee  be  appointed 
to  bring  in  a  bill  for  the  relief  of  fick  and  difabled 
feamen. 

A  committee  confifting  of  Mr.  William  Smith, 
Mr.  Thatcher,  and  Mr.  Macon,  were  appointed  to 
bring  in  a  bill  extending  the  privilege  of  franking 
to  Mr.  James  White,  delegate  from  the  South- 
weft:  ern  territory,  and  making  provifion  for  his 
compenfation. 

Mr.  Boudinot  reported  to  the  Speaker,  that  the 
Prefident  would  meet  boih  Houfes,  to-morrow,  in 
the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives,  at  twelve  o'clock. 

The  reafon  for  meeting  there  is,  becaufe  the  floor 
of  the  Senate  Houfe  is  thought  to  be  infufficient. 
Adjourned  at  one  o'clock. 

It  was  not  till  this  d:iy,  being  the  feventeenth  of 
the  Seflion,  that  the  Senate  were  able  to  form  a 
quorum.  The  names  of  the  members  who  appeared 
ami  took  Ttieir  feats,  on  the  fyf{\:  day  of  the  Seffion, 
were  as  fciiow" : 

The 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  45 

The  Hon.  Ralph  Izard,  Prefident  pro  tempore, 
from  the  flate  of  South-Carolina. 

From  the  ftate  of 

N,  Hampjhire, — the  hon.  John  Langdon  and 

Samuel  Livermore. 

Maffachufetts,  George  Cabot. 

ConneBicut^  Oliver  Ellfvi^orth. 

Rbode-IJJandf  Theodore  Fofter. 

Vermont,  Mofes  Robinfon. 

New-Tork,  Rufus  King. 

Pennfylvania,  Robert  Morris. 

Kentucky,  John  Brown. 

N(/rth-Caro/i?ia,  Benj.  Hawkins. 

The  hon.  John  Vining  from  the  (late  of  Dcfa- 
ware,  arrived  on  the  5th.  The  Vice-Prefident, 
Mr.  Adams,  the  hon.  Alexander  Martin  from  North- 
Carolina,  and  the  hon.  James  Jackfon  from  Geor- 
gia, alfo  took  their  feats  on  the  loih  ;  and  the  hon. 
William  Bradford  from  Rhode-Ifland,  on  the  nth. 
The  arrival  of  the  hon.  Aaron  Burr,  from  the  ftate 
of  New-Tork,  on  this  day,  enabled  the  Senate  Jis 
above,  to  proceed  to  bufmefs.  On  the  19th,  the 
hon.  John  Edwards,  from  the  ftate  of  Kenfuch^. 
attended. 

The  Senate  at  prefent  confifts  of  thirty  members,. 
of  v7hom  iixteen  are  required  to  form  a  quorum. 
The  Vice-prefident  of  the  United  States,  is,  by  his 
office,  prefident  of  the  Senate,  but  is  not  himfelf  a 
fenator,  nor  has  power  to  vote,  unlefs  when  the 
members  are  equally  divided. 

WEDNESDAY,  the  19th  cf  November,  1794. 

Another  member,  to  wit ;  Thomas  Scott,,  from 
Pennfyhania,^  appeared,  and  took  his  feat  in  the 
Houfe. 

A  memorial  of  Joze  Roiz  Siiva,  of  the  city  of 
New-York,  merchint,  was  prefented  to  the  Houfe 

ap.d- 


46  POLITICAL  REGIS  TER. 

and  read,  praying  that  the  fum  of  two  thoufand, 
five  hundred  and  twenty-one  dollars,  and  fixty  cents, 
may  be  refunded  to  him,  it  being  the  difference  in 
the  amount  of  duties  on  a  quantity  of  wines  im- 
ported by  the  memoriahd,  and  which,  through  mif- 
take,  was  exafted  from  him  by  the  colleftor  of  the 
port  of  New- York,  beyond  the  legal  duties. 

Mr.  Watts,  Mr.  Coffin,  and  Mr.  Malbone  were 
appointed  to  examine  and  report. 

The  Speaker  laid  before  the  Houfe  a  report  of 
the  commiffioners  for  purchafmg  the  public  debt, 
ftating  the  amount  of  their  purchafes  and  other  pro- 
ceedings fmce  their  report  of  the  fixteenth  of  De- 
cember, one  thoufand  fevcn  hundred  and  ninety- 
three,  which  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the 
table. 

A  mefTage  was  then  fent  to  the  Senate,  by  the 
clerk  of  the  Houfc,  to  inform  them,  that  the  Houfe 
of  Reprefentatives  were  now  ready  to  attend  them, 
in  receiving  the  communication  from  the  Prefident, 
agreeably  to  his  notification  of  yefterday.  The  Se- 
nate accordingly  attended,  and  took  feats  in  the 
Houfe.  Both  Houfes  being  now  alTembled,  the 
Prefident,  accompanied  by  the  Secretary  of  State, 
the  Secretary  at  War,  the  Attorney  General,  and 
fcveral  foreign  minitlers,  came  into  the  Chamber  of 
the  Reprefentatives,  and  addreifed  them  as  follows  ; 

Fellow  Citizens  of  the  Senate,  and  of 
the  lloufc  of  Representatives  ; 

WHEN  we  call  to  mind  the  gracious  indulgence 
of  Heaven,  by  which  the  American  People  became 
a  nation  ;  when  we  fui-vey  the  general  profperity  of 
our  country,  and  look  forward  to  the  riches,  power, 
and  happinefs  to  which  it  feems  dedincd  ;  with  the 
deeped  regret  do  I  announce  to  you,  that  during 
your   recefs,    feme  of  the  citizens   of  the   United 

Scares 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  47 

States  have  been  found  capable  of  an  infurreflion. 
It  is  due,  however,  to  the  character  of  our  govern- 
ment, and  to  its  (lability,  which  cannot  be  fliaken  by 
the  enemies  of  order,  freely  to  unfold  the  courfe  of 
this  event. 

During  the  feffion  of  the  year  one  thoufand  fevea 
hundred  and  ninety,  it  was  expedient  to  exercife  the 
legiflative  power,  granted  by  the  conftitution  of  the 
United  States,  "  to  lay  and  colleft  excifes."  In  a 
majority  of  the  ftates,  fcarcely  an  objeflion  was 
heard  to  this  mode  of  taxation.  In  fome,  indeed, 
alarms  were  at  firft  conceived,  until  they  were  ba- 
niflied  by  reafon  and  pairiotifai.  In  the  four  weft- 
ern  counties  of  Pennfylvania,  a  prejudicej  foltered 
and  embittered  by  the  artifice  of  men,  who  laboured 
for  on  afcendency  over  the  will  of  others,  by  the 
guidance  of  their  puffions,  produced  fymptoms  of 
riot  and  violence.  It  is  well  known,  that  Congrefs 
did  not  hefitate  to  examine  the  complaints  which 
were  prefentcd,  and  to  relieve  them,  as  far  as  juf- 
tice  diftated,  or  general  convenience  would  permit. 
But  the  imprefTion,  which  this  moderation  made  on 
the  difcontented,  did  not  correfpond  with  what  it 
deferved.  The  arts  of  delufion  were  no  longer  con- 
fined to  the  efforts  of  defigning  individuals.  The 
very  forbearance  to  prefs  profecutions  was  mifinter- 
preted  into  a  fear  of  urging  the  execution  of  the 
laws ;  and  afibciations  of  men  began  to  denounce 
threats  againit  the  oiEcers  employed.  From  a  be- 
lief, that  by  a  more  formal  concert,  their  operation 
might  be  defeated,  certain  fclf-created  focieties  af- 
fkuned  the  tone  of  condemnation.  Hence,  while  the 
greater  part  of  Pennfylvani.i  iifelf  v/ere  conforming 
ihemfelves  to  the  ai^s  of  cxcife,  a  few  counties  were 
refolved  to  frullrate  them.  It  was  now  perceived 
that  every  expectation  from  the  tendernefs  which 
had  been  hitherto  purfaed,  was  unavailing,  and  that 

further 


48  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

farther  delay  could  only  create  an  opinion  of  impo« 
tency  or  irrefolution  in  the  government.  Legal  pro- 
cefs  was,  therefore,  delivered  to  the  marflial,  againft 
the  rioters  and  delinquent  dillillers.  No  fooner  was 
he  underftood  to  be  engaged  in  his  duty,  than  the 
Tengcance  of  armed  men  was  aimed  at  his  perfon, 
and  the  perfon  and  property  of  the  infpector  of  the 
revenue.  They  fired  upon  the  marflial,  arreft:ed 
him,  and  detained  him  for  fome  time  as  a  prifoner. 
He  was  obliged,  by  the  jeopardy  of  his  life,  to  re- 
nounce the  fervice  of  other  procefs,  on  the  wefl  fide 
of  the  Allegheny  mountain  ;  and  a  deputation  was 
afterwards  fent  to  him  to  demand  a  furrendcr  of 
tliat  which  he  had  ferved.  A  numerous  body  re- 
peatedly attacked  the  houfe  of  the  infpeftor — feized 
his  papers  of  office — and  finally  deflroyed  by  fire 
his  buildings,  and  whatfocver  they  contained.  Both 
of  thefe  officers,  from  a  juft  regard  to  their  fafety, 
fled  to  the  feat  of  government  ;  it  being  avowed, 
that  the  motives  to  fuch  outrages  were  to  compel 
the  refignation  of  the  infpe^tor — to  withftand  by 
force  of  arms  the  authority  of  the  United  Slates, 
and  thereby  to  extort  a  repeal  of  the  bAvs  of  excife, 
and  an  alteration  in  the  conduct  of  government. 

Upon  the  teftimony  of  thefe  fafts,  an  alTociate 
Juflice  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States 
notified  to  me,  that  "  in  the  counties  of  Wafliington 
*'  and  Allegheny  in  Pennfylvania,  laws  of  the  United 
'^  Stares  were  oppofed,  and  the  execution  thereof 
*'  obftrudlcd,  by  combinations  too  powerful  to  be 
*'  fupprelTed  by  the  ordinary  courfe  of  judicial  pro- 
"  ceedings,  or  by  the  powers  vefccd  in  the  marflial 
*'  of  that  diftri£i."  On  this  call,  momentous  in  the 
extreme,  1  fought  and  weighed  what  might  befl:  fub- 
due  the  crifis.  On  the  one  hand,  the  judiciary  was 
pronounced  to  be  ilripped  of  its  capacity  to  enforce 
the  laws, :  crimes,  which  reached  the  very  exiflence 
2.  of 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  49 

of  foeial  order,  were  perpetrated  without  controul  ; 
the  friends  of  government  were  infulted,  abufed,  and 
overawed  into  filcnce,  or  an  apparent  acquiefcence  j 
and  to  yield  to  the  treafonable  fury  of  fo,fmalla 
portion  of  the  United  States,  would  be  to  violate 
the  fundamental  principle  of  our  conflitution,  which 
enjoins  that  the  will  of  the  majority  fliall  prevaiL 
On  the  other,  to  array  citizen  againft  citizen — to 
publiili  the  diflionor  of  fuch  excefles — to  encounter 
the  expence,  and  other  embarraffments  of  fo  diftant 
an  expedition,  were  fleps  too  delicate ^ — too  clofely 
interwoven  with  many  affefting  confiderations,  to  be 
lightly  adopted.  I  poflponed,  therefore,  the  fum- 
moning  of  the  militia  immediately  into  the  field. 
But  I  required  them  to  be  held  in  readinffs,  that  if 
my  anxious  endeavours  to  reclaim  the  deluded,  and 
to  convince  the  malignant  of  their  danger,  fliould  be 
fruitlefs',  military  force  might  be  prepared  to  aft,  be- 
fore the  feafon  fliould  be  too  far  advanced. 

My  proclamation  of  the  7rh  of  Augufc  lafl  was 
accordingly  ilTued,  and  accompanied  by  the  appoint* 
ment  of  CommiiTioners,  who  were  charged  to  repair 
to  the  fcene  of  infurreftion.  They  were  authorifed 
to  confer  with  any  bodies  of  men,  or  individuals. 
They  were  inffrufted  to  be  candid  and  explicit,  in 
{fating  the  fenfations  which  had  been  excited  in  the 
Executive,  and  his  earneft  wifli  to  avoid  a  refort  to 
coercion.  To  reprefent,  however,  that  without  fub- 
miffion,  coercion  mujl  be  the  refort  ;  but  to  invite 
them,  at  the  fame  time,  to  return  to  the  demeanor 
of  faithful  citizens,  by  fuch  accommodations  as  lay 
within  the  fphere  of  executive  power.  Pardon  too, 
was  tendered  to  them  by  the  government  of  the 
United  States,  and  that  of  Pennfylvania,  upon  no 
other  condition,  than  a  fatisfaftory  aiiurance  of  obe- 
dience  to  the  laws. 

IE  Although 


5©  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

Although  the  report  of  the  CommilTioners  marks 
their  iirmnefs  and  abilities,  and  mufl:  unite  all  virtu- 
ous men,  by  fliewing,  that  the  means  of  conciliation 
have  been  exhaufted,  all  of  thofe  who  have  commit- 
ted or  abetted  the  tumults,  did  not  fubfcribe  the 
mild  form,  w^hich  was  propofed,  as  the  atonement; 
and  the  indications  of  a  peaceable  temper  were  nei- 
ther fufficiently  general,  nor  conclufive,  to  recom- 
mend or  warrant  the  farther  fufpenfion  of  the  march 
of  the  militia. 

Thus,  the  painful  alternative  could  not  be  dif- 
carded.  I  ordered  the  militia  to  march,  after  once 
more  adraonifliing  the  infurgents,  in  my  proclama- 
tion of  the  25th  of  September  laft. 

It  was  a  talk  too  difficult  to  afcertain  with  preci- 
fion,  the  lowed  degree  of  force  competent  to  the 
quelling  of  the  infurredion.  From  a  refpeft,  indeed, 
to  osconomy,  and  the  eafe  of  my  fellow  citizens  be- 
longing to  the  militia,  it  would  have  gratified  me  to 
accomplilh  fuch  an  eftimate.  My  very  reluftance  to 
afcribe  too  much  importance  to  the  oppofition,  had 
its  extent  been  accurately  feen,  would  have  been  a 
decided  inducement  to  the  fmalleft  efficient  numbers. 

In  this  uncertainty,  therefore,  1  put  into  motion 
fifteen  thoufand  men,  as  bc-ing  an  army,  which,  ac- 
cording to  all  human  calculation,  would  be  prompt, 
and  adequate  in  every  view  ;  and  might  perhaps,  by 
rendering  refiftance  dtfperate,  prevent  the  efFufion  of 
blood.  Quotas  had  been  affigned  to  the  dates  of 
New-Jerfey,  Pennfylvania,  Maryland,  and  Virginia  ; 
the  governor  of  Pennsylvania  having  declared  on  this 
occafion,  an  opinion  which  judificd  a  requifition  to 
the  other  dates. 

As  commander  in  chief  of  the  militia,  when  called 
into  the  a£i:ual  fervice  of  the  United  States,  I  have 
vifited  the  places  of  general  rendezvous,  to  obtain 
moie  exacl  information,  and  to  dire«Sl:  a  plan  for  ul- 

lerioi" 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  51 

terior  movements.  Had  there  been  room  for  a  per*, 
fuafion,  that  the  laws  were  fecure  from  obftruftion  ; 
that  the  civil  magiftrate  was  able  to  bring  to  jufticc 
fuch  of  the  moft  culpable,  as  have  not  embraced  the 
proffered  terms  of  amnefty,  and  may  be  deemed  fit 
objects  of  example  ;  that  the  friends  to  peace  and 
good  government  were  not  in  need  of  that  aid  and 
countenance,  which  they  ought  always  to  receive, 
and,  I  truft,  ever  will  receive,  againil  the  vicious 
and  turbulent,  I  fliould  have  caught  with  avidity  the 
opportunity  of  reftoring  the  militia  to  their  families 
and  hom.e.  But  fucceeding  intelligence  has  tended 
to  manifeft  the  neceffity  of  what  has  been  done  ;  it 
being  now  confeffed  by  thofe  who  were  not  inclined 
to  exaggerate  the  ill-conduft  of  the  infurgents,  that 
their  malevolence  was  not  pointed  merely  to  a  par- 
ticular law  ;  but  that  a  fpirit,  inimical  to  all  order, 
has  actuated  many  of  the  offenders.  If  the  flate  of 
things  had  afforded  reafon  for  the  continuance  of  ray 
prefence  with  the  army,  it  would  not  have  been 
withholden.  But  every  appearance  affuring  fuch  an 
iffue,  as  will  redound  to  the  reputation  and  ftrength 
of  the  United  States,  I  have  judged  it  mod  proper 
to  refume  my  duties  at  the  feat  of  government,  leav- 
ing the  chief  command  with  the  Governor  of  Vir- 
ginia. 

Still,  however,  as  it  is  probable,  that  in  a  com- 
motion like  the  prefent,  whatfoever  may  be  the  pre- 
tence, the  purpofes  of  mifchief  and  revenge  may  not 
be  laid  afide,the  (tationing  of  a  fmall  force  for  a  certain 
period  in  the  four  weftern  counties  of  Pennfylvania 
will  be  indifpenfable,  whether  we  contemplate  the 
fituation  of  thofe  who  are  connected  with  the  execu- 
tion of  the  laws,  or  of  others  who  may  have  expofed 
ihemfelves  by  an  honourable  attachment  to  them. 
Thirty  days  from  the  commencement  of  this  feffion, 
being  the  legal  limitation  of  the  employment  of  the 
E  2  militia. 


52  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

militia,  Congrefs  cannot  be  too  early  occupied  with 
this  fubjcft. 

Among  the  difcuffions  which  may  arife  from  this 
afpeft  of  our  affairs,  and  from  the  documents  which 
will  be  fubn.iited  to  Congrefs,  it  will  not  efcape  their 
obfervation,  that  not  only  the  infpeftor  of  the  reve- 
nue, but  other  officers  of  the  United  States,  in  Penn- 
fylvania,  have,  from  their  fidelity  in  the  difcharge  of 
their  funftions,  fuftained  material  injuries  to  their 
property.  The  obligation  and  policy  of  indemnify- 
ing them  are  ftrong  and  obvious.  It  may  alfo  merit 
attention,  whether  policy  will  not  enlarge  this  provi- 
fion  to  the  retribution  of  other  citizens,  who,  though 
not  under  the  ties  of  office,  may  have  fuffered  da- 
mage by  their  generous  exertions  for  upholding  the 
conftitution  and  the  laws.  The  amount,  even  if  all 
the  injured  were  included,  would  not  be  great ;  and 
on  future  emergencies,  the  government  would  be 
amply  repaid  by  the  injQuence  of  an  example,  that 
he,  who  incurs  a  lofs  in  its  defence,  fliall  find  a  re- 
compence  in  its  liberality. 

While  there  is  caufe  to  lament,  that  occurrences 
of  this  nature  fliould  have  difgraced  the  name,  or  in- 
terrupted the  tranquillity  of  any  part  of  our  commu- 
nity, or  fliould  have  diverted  to  a  new  application, 
any  portion  of  the  public  refources,  there  are  not 
wanting  real  and  fubftantial  confolations  for  the  mis- 
fortune. It  has  demonftrated,  that  our  profperity 
refts  on  folid  foundations  ;  by  furnifhing  an  addi- 
tional proof,  that  my  fellow-citizens  underftand  the 
true  principles  of  government  and  liberty  : — that 
they  feel  their  infeparable  union  : — that  notwith- 
ftanding  ail  the  devices  which  have  been  ufed  to 
fway  them  from  their  interell  and  duty,  they  are 
now  as  ready  to  maintain  the  authority  of  the  laws 
againil  licentious  invafions,  as  they  were  to  defend 
their  rights  againft  uiurpation.     It  has  been  a  fpec- 

tacle. 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  53 

tacle,  difplaying  to  the  higliefl:  advantage  the  value 
of  Republican  Government,  to  behold  the  mofl  and 
the  lead  wealthy  of  our  citizens  (landing  in  the  fame 
ranks  as  private  foldiers,  pre-eminently  didinguiftied 
by  being  the  army  of  the  conftituiion,  undeterred  by 
a  march  of  three  hundred  miles,  over  rugged  moun- 
tains, by  the  approach  of  an  inclement  feafon,  or  by 
any  other  difcouragement.  Nor  ought  I  to  omit  to 
acknowledge  the  efficacious  and  patriotic  co-opera- 
tion, which  I  have  experienced  from  the  chief  ma- 
giftrates  of  the  ftates,  to  which  my  reqaifitions  have 
been  addrefTed. 

To  every  defcription,  indeed,  of  citizens,  let  praife 
be  given.  But  let  them  perfevere  in  their  affec- 
tionate vigilance  over  that  precious  dcpofitoty  of 
American  happinefs,  the  conftitution  of  the  United 
States.  Let  them  cherifli  it  too,  for  the  fiike  of 
thofe,  who  from  every  clime  are  daily  feeking  a 
dwelling  in  our  land.  And  when  in  the  caliif  mo- 
ments of  refleftion,  they  {hall  have  retraced  the 
origin  and  progrefs  of  the  infurreftion,  let  them 
determine  whether  it  has  not  been  fomented  by 
combinations  of  men,  who,  carelefs  of  confequences, 
and  difregarding  the  unerring  truth,  that  thofe  who 
roufe,  cannot  always  appeafe  a  civil  convulfion, 
have  diffeminated,  from  an  ignorance  or  perver- 
fion  of  fails,  fufpicions,  jealoufies,  and  accufations 
of  the  whole  government. 

Havino:  thus  fulfilled  the  enp-agrement  which  I 
took  when  I  entered  into  office,  "  to  the  bed  of 
"  my  ability  to  preferve,  proteil,  and  defend  the 
"  conflitution  of  the  United  dates,"  on  you,  Gen- 
tlemen, and  the  people  by  whom  you  are  deputed, 
I  rely  for  fupport. 

In  the  arrangements,  to  which  the  poffibility  of 
a  fimilar  contingency  will  natur?Jly  draw  your  at- 
tention, it  ought  not  to  be  forgotten,  that  the  mi- 
E  3  litia- 


54  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

litia-laws   have  exhibited   fuch  ftriking   defe£ls,    aS 

cou'd  not  have  been  fupplied  but  by  the  zeal  of  our 

citizens.      Befides    the    extraordinary  expence   and 

-vafte,  which  are  not  the  leaft  of  the  defeats,  every 

ppeal  to  thofe  laws  is  attended  with  a  doubt  on  its 

ccefs. 

The  deviling  and  eflabhfliing  of  a  well-regulated 

litia,  would  be  a  genuine  fource  of  legiflativc  ho- 

■,  and  a  perfeft  title  to  public  gratitude.     I,  there- 

%  entertain  a  hope,  that  the  prefent  feffion  will 

I  pafs,  without  carrying  to  its  full  energy  the  power 

:  rganizing,  arming,  and  difciplining  the  militia  ; 

<i  thus  providing,  in  the  language  of  the  conftitu- 

d  \  for  calling  them  forth  to  execute  the  laws  of 

m,  lion,  fupprefs  infurreflions,  and  repel  invafions. 

.e  vi\  auxiliary  to  the  ftate  of  our  defence,  to  which 

As  °fs  can  never  too  frequently  recur,  they  will 

longr^  it  to  inquire,  whether  the  fortifications,  which 

©t  oTti  en  already  licenfed  by  law,  be  commenfurate 

lave  bt  r  exigencies. 

vith  OU'  ntclligence  from  the  army  under  the  com- 

The  1.  General   Wayne,  is   a   happy   prcf;ige  to 

inatid  oi  ary  operations   againfl:  the  hoflile  Indians 

our  T^i^  the  Ohio.     From  the  advices  which  have 

;iSJortb.  oi.  yarded,  the   advance  which  he  has  made 

"been  fo^^  !  damped  the  ardor  of  the  favages,  and 

i-nuft  ^^'^^  their  obflinacy  in  waging  war  againfl:  the 

V7eakened  ^gg^  ^^^  y^^^  ^y^i^  ^^  ^j^js  j.^^  hour,  when 

\Jr".te^^^^  to  punifli  them  cannot  he  quefl:ioned,  we 

nv.i  power  unwilling  to  cement  a  lading  peace,  upon 

,1.11  not  t)  ndor,  equity,  and  good  neighbourhood. 

'.  :^s  o^  ca  ^  ^^^^  ^^j.-  ^1^^  Indian  tribes  have  overtures 

^iOVi.'.i'^*  been  fpared.    The  Creeks  in  particular, 

P       c^  f '■'^'^^^       1  from  encroachment  by  the  interpofition 

.,.p  coveve  ^^1  Government  and  that  of  Georgia. 

•   t\ie  Y  r  .           alfo  to  remove  ihe  difcontents  of  the  Six 

;  .ow'A^*-^  ,         cnilcment,    meditated  at  Prefqu'ifle  on 

,^i.tioi:iS,  a  V                                                                 -^^j,^ 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  55 

Lake  Erie,  has  been  fufpended  ;  and  an  agent  is 
now  endeavourin^^  to  reftify  anv  miiconception,  into 
which  they  may  have  fallen.  But  I  cannot  refrain 
from  again  prefCng  upon  your  deliberations,  the  plan 
which  I  recommended  at  the  laft  fcflion,  for  the 
improvement  of  harmony  with  all  the  Indians  within 
our  limits,  by  the  fixing  and  conducing  of  trading 
houfes,  upon  the  principles  then  exprelTed, 

Gentlemen  of  the  House  of  Representatives, 
The  time,  which  has  elapfed,  fmce  the  commence- 
ment of  our  fifcal  meafures,  has  developed  our  pe- 
cuniary refources,  fo  as  to  open  the  way  for  a  defi- 
nitive plan  for  the  redemption  of  the  public  debt. 
It  is  believed,  that  the  refult  is  fuch,  as  to  encourage 
Congrefs  to  confummate  this  work,  without  delay. 
Nothing  can  more  promote  the  permanent  welfare 
of  the  nation,  and  nothing  would  be  more  grateful 
to  our  conftituents.  Indeed  whatfoever  is  unfiniflied 
of  our  fyflem  of  public  credit,  cannot  be  benefited 
by  procraftination ;  and  as  far  as  may  be  practicable, 
we  ought  to  place  that  credit  on  grounds  which  can- 
not be  difturbcd,  and  to  prevent  that  progrefilve 
accumulation  of  debt  which  mud  ultimately  endanger 
all  governments. 

An  eftimate  of  the  necefiary  appropriations,  in- 
cluding the  expenditures  into  which  we  have  been 
driven  by  the  infurreftion,  will  be  fubmitted  to 
Congrefs. 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate,  and  of 

the  House  of  Representatives, 

The  mint  of  the  United  States  has  entert^d  upon 
the  coinage  of  the  precious  metals,  and  confiderable 
fums  of  defc£live  coins  and  bullion  have  been  lodged 
with  the  direftor  by  individuals.  There  is  a  pleafing 
profpe£t  that  the  inflitution  will,  at  no  remote  day, 

E  4  realize 


56  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

realize  the  expeftation  which  was  originally  formed 
of  its  utility. 

In  fubfequent  communications,  certain  circum- 
flances  of  our  intercourfe  with  foreign  nations,  will 
be  tranfmitted  to  Congrefs.  However,  it  may  not 
be  unfeafonable  to  announce  that  my  policy  in  our 
foreign  tranfaftions  has  been,  to  cultivate  peace  with 
all  the  world  j — to  obferve  treaties  with  pure  and 
abfolute  faith  ; — to  check  every  deviation  from  the 
line  of  impartiality  ; — to  explain  what  may  have 
been  mifapprehended,  and  corred  what  may  have' 
been  injurious  to  any  nation  ; — and  having  thus  ac- 
quired ihe  right,  to  lofe  no  time  in  acquiring  the 
ability,  to  infift  upon  juftice  being  done  to  ourfelves. 

Let  us  unite,  therefore,  in  imploring  the  Supreme 
Ruler  of  Nations,  to  fpread  his  holy  protection  over 
thefe  United  States  : — to  turn  the  machinations  of 
the  wicked  to  the  confirming  of  our  conftitution  : — 
to  enable  us  at  all  times  to  root  out  internal  fedition, 
and  put  invafirn  to  flight : — to  perpetuate  to  our 
country  that  profpevity,  which  his  goodnefs  has 
already  conferred,  and  to  verify  the  anticipations 
of  this  government  being  a  fafe-guard  to  human 
rights. 

G°:  WASHINGTON. 

United  States,  7 

November  the  19th,  1794.3 

The  Prefident  then  withdrew  ;  and  the  two  houfes 
feparated.  It  was  agreed  to  by  the  Houfe  of  Re- 
prefentaiives,  that  the  fpeech  of  the  Prefident  Ihould 
be  referred  to  a  Committee  of  the  whole  houfe  to- 
morrow, and  then  they  adjourned.  The  Senate  re- 
turned to  their  chamber,  and  appointed  Mr.  King, 
Mr.  Ellfworth,  and  Mr.  Iz?.rd,  as  a  committee,  to  re- 
port the  draft  of  an  addrefs  to  the  Prefident  in  an- 
swer to  his  fpeech. 

The 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  57 

The  Vice  Prefident  hid  before  the  Senate  the  re- 
port of  the  commiffioners  of  the  finking  fund,  which 
was  read  as  follows : 

"  The  Vice  Prefident  of  the  United  States  and  Pre- 
fident of  the  Senate,  the  Chief  Juftice,  the  Secretary 
of  State,  the  Secretary  of  the  Treafury,  and  the 
Attorney  General,  refpeftfully  report  to  Congrefs, 
as  follows : 

"  That  purfuant  to  the  aft  intirled,  '  An  aft  mak- 
ing provifion  for  the  reduftion  of  the  public  debt,* 
and  in  conformity  to  refolutions  agreed  upon  by 
them,  and  feverally  approved  by  the  Prefident  of 
the  United  States,  they  have  fince  their  report,  dated 
the  fixtecnth  of  December  1793,  caufed  purchafes 
of  the  faid  debt  to  be  made  through  the  agency  of 
Samuel  Meredith,  to  the  amount  of  one  hundred  and 
thirt-j-nine  thoufand  and  feventy-feven  dollars  and 
eighty-eight  cents,  for  which  there  have  been  paid  in 
fpecie,  one  hundred  thoufand  and  fixty-one  dollars  and 
feventy-fix  cents. 

"  That  purfuant  to  the  aft  intitled, '  An  aft  fupple- 
mentary  to  the  aft  making  provifion  for  the  debt  of 
the  United  States,'  and  in  conformity  to  refolutions 
agreed  upon  by  them,  and  feverally  approved  by  the 
Prefident  of  the  United  States,  they  have  alfo  caufed 
purchafes  of  the  faid  debt  to  be  made,  fubfequent 
to  their  faid  report  of  the  fixteenih  day  of  December, 
1793,  to  the  amount  of  one  hundred  and Jix  thoufand 
feven  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  and  thirty  feven  cents, 
for  which  there  have  been  paid  eighty-fi've  thoufand 
eight  hundred  and  thirty-two  dollars  and  ninety-one 
cents  in  fpecie. 

"  That  the  documents  accompanying  this  report, 
marked  B,  C,  D,  and  E,  Ihew  the  aforefaid  pur- 
chafes generally  and  in  detail,  including  the  places 
where,  the  times  when,  the  prices  at  which,  and 
the  perfons  of  whom,  the  purchafes  were  made. 

That 


SB  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

"  That  the  documents  marked  A,  fliew  the  pro. 
ceedings  of  the  accounting  officers  of  the  Treafury  in 
refpedt  to  the  fettlement  of  an  account  for  the  expen- 
diture oi  jifty-thoufand  dollars  in  purchafes  which 
were  ftated  in  our  former  report,  at  the  date  of 
which  the  faid  fettlement  had  not  been  completed. 

"  That  the  purchafes  now  and  heretofore  reported, 
amount  together  to  two  millions  tivo  hundred  and 
fixty-five  thoufand  and  iwenty-Hvo  dollars  and  j/ifty- 
feven  cents  in  flock,  for  which  there  have  been  paid 
in  fpecie,  07ie  ?nillion  Jive  hundred  and  eighty -one 
ihoiifatid  three  hundred  and  twenty  three  dollars  and 
ftxty-feven  centsy  as  will  be  more  particularly  feen 
by  tihe  document  marked  F. 

"  On  behalf  of  the  board, 

"  JOHN    ADAMS." 

Philadelphia,  Nov.  iSth,  1794. 

This  report  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table,  and 
the  Senate  then  adjourned,  till  to-morrow,  at  eleven 
o'clock. 

THURSDAY,  the  20th  of  November,  1794. 

The  Senate  affembled  as  yeilerday.  A  mefTage 
was  received  from  the  Prefident,  by  Mr.  Dandridge, 
his  Secretary,  with  the  following  communications, 
viz. 

N°.  I.  Judge  Wilfon's  certificate. 

2.  The  firfl:  proclamation  of  7th  of  Augufl. 

3.  The  inftruftions  to  the  commiffioners. 

4.  The  report  of  the  commiffioners. 

5.  The  fecond  proclamation  of  the  25th  of 
September. 

6.  The  correfpondence  between  the  Gover- 
nor cf  Pennfylvania  and  the  Secretary  for 
the  Department  of  State. 

7.  The 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  59 

N°.  7.  The  report  from  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treafury  to  the  Prefident  of  the  United 
States. 

8.  Inftruftions  to  the  Governor  of  Virginia. 

9.  General  Wayne's  letters. 

10.  Papers  refpe£l:ing  the  Creek  Indians,  and 
the  State  of  Georgia. 

11.  Letters  with  refpe6V  to  Prefqu'ifle. 

12.  A  letter  from  the  Direftor  of  the  Mint. 
Mr.  King,  from  the  Committee,  reported  an  ad- 

drefs  to  the  Prefident,  in  reply  to  his  fpeech  of  the 
19th,  to  both  houfes,  which  was  read.  The  Senate 
affigned  to-morrow  for  taking  it  into  confideration, 
and  then  adjourned. 

In  the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives,  this  day,  another 
member,  to  wit ;  William  Findley,  from  Pennfylvania, 
appeared,  and  took  his  feat.  The  houfe,  according 
to  the  order  of  the  day,  refolved  itfelf  into  a  com- 
mittee, Mr.  Trumbull  in  the  chair,  on  the  fpeech  of 
the  Prefident  to  both  Houfes  of  Congrcfs.  The  fol- 
lowing refolution  was  then  moved  and  agreed  to : 

Refolved^  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  committee, 
that  a  refpeftful  addrefs  ought  to  be  prefented  by  the 
Houfe  of  Reprefentatives,  to  the  Prefident  of  the 
United  States,  in  anfwer  to  his  fpeech  to  both  Houfes 
of  Congrefs,  at  the  commencement  of  this  felTion, 
containing  alTurances,  that  this  Houfe  will  take  into 
confideration,  the  various  and  important  matters  re- 
commended to  their  attention. 

Mr.  Madifon,  Mr.  Sedgwick,  and  Mr.  Scott, 
were  appointed  a  Committee  to  prepare  an  addrefs, 
purfuant  to  this  refolution  ;  and  it  was  farther  re- 
folved. That  to-morrow,  the  Houfe  fliall  refolve  it- 
felf into  a  committee  of  the  whole  Houfe,  on  the 
faid  fpeech. 

A  mef- 


60  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

A  meffage  was  received  from  the  Senate,  notifying 
that  they  had  agreed  to  the  refolution  for  the  ap- 
pointment of  two  chaplains,  for  the  prefent  felTion, 
and  that,  on  their  part,  they  had  elefted  the  Rev. 
Bifhop  White.  The  Houfc  of  Reprefentatives  then 
proceeded,  by  ballot,  to  the  appointment  of  a  chap- 
lain ;  and  a  majority  of  votes  were  in  favour  of  the 
Rev.  Afhbel  Green. 

A  meffage  was  received  from  the  Prefident  with 
copies  of  the  fame  papers,  above  fpecified,  which  he, 
this  day,  tranfaiitted  to  the  Senate.  Part  of  them  were 
read.     The  houfe  then  adjourned. 

FRIDAY,  the  21ft  of  November,   1794. 

The  Senate  went  into  confideration  of  the  ad- 
drefs,  in  anfwer  to  the  fpeech  of  the  Prefident. 

It  was  moved  by  Mr.  Burr,  and  feconded  by  Mr. 
Jackfon,  to  ftrike  out  the  fecond  paragragh,  begin- 
ning with  the  words  "  Our  anxiety  arifmg,"  &c.  It 
palled  in  the  negative. 

On  motion  to  amend  the  paragraph  refpefting  the 
army,  under  the  command  of  General  Wayne,  to 
be  read  as  follows  :  "  The  pleafiire  with  which  we 
"learn  the  fuccefs  of  the  Weflern  army,  under  the 
"  command  of  General  Wayne,  is  enhanced  by  the 
"  hope,  that  their  viftories  will  lay  the  foundation 
"  of  a  jufl  and  durable  peace  with  the  Indian  tribes  j'* 
It  paffed  in  the  negative. 

On  motion  to  ftrike  out  of  the  fecond  paragraph 
refpeding  the  Weftern  army,  the  words  "  General 
and;'*  It  paffed  in  the  negative.  And  the  feveral 
paragraphs  reported  by  the  committee  being  agreed 
10,  the  report  was  adopted,  as  foUov/s : 


Sir, 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  6i 


Sir, 

WE  receive  with  pleafure,  your  Speech  to  the 
two  Houfes  of  Congrefs.  In  it  we  perceive  renewed 
proofs  of  that  vigilant,  and  paternal  concern  for  the 
profperity,  honour,  and  happinefs  of  our  country, 
which  has  uniformly  diftinguiflied  your  paft  admi- 
niftration. 

Our  anxiety  arifing  from  the  Hcentious  and  open 
refiftance  to  the  laws  in  -the  Weftern  counties  of 
Pennfylvania,  has  been  encreafed  by  the  proceedings 
of  certain  felf-created  focieties,  relative  to  the  laws 
and  adminiftration  of  the  Government ;  proceedings 
in  our  apprehenfion,  founded  in  political  error,  cal- 
culated, if  not  intended,  to  diforganize  our  Govern- 
ment, and  which,  by  infpiring  delufive  hopes  of 
fupport,  have  been  influential  in  miilcading  our  fel- 
low-citizens in  the  fcene  of  infurre6lion. 

In  a  fituation  fo  delicate  and  important,  the  lenient 
and  perfuafive  meafures  which  you  adopted,  merit 
and  receive  our  affeftionate  approbation.  Thefc 
failing  to.  procure  their  proper  effed-,  and  coercion 
having  become  inevitable,  we  have  derived  the 
higheft  fatisfaclion  from  the  enlightened  patriotifm, 
and  animating  zeal  wich  which  the  citizens  of  New- 
Jerfey,  Pennfylvania,  MaryLmd  and  Virginia,  have 
rallied  around  the  ftandard  of  Government,  in  oppo- 
fition  to  anarchy  and  infurreftion. 

Our  warm  and  cordial  acknowledgments  are  due 
to  you.  Sir,  for  the  wifdom  and  decifion  with  which 
you  arrayed  the  militia,  to  execute  the  public  will ; 
and  to  them,  for  the  difmtereflednefs,  and  alacrity, 
with  which  they  obeyed  your  fummons. 

The  example  is  precious  to  the  theory  of  our 
Government,  and  confers  the  brightefl:  honour  upon 
the  Patriots  who  have  given  it. 

Wc 


62  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

We  flial!  readily  concur  in  fuch  farther  provifions 
for  the  fecurity  of  internal  peace,  and  a  due  obedi- 
ence to  the  laws,  as  the  occafion  manifeftly  requires. 

The  effectual  organization  of  the  militia,  and  a 
prudent  attention  to  the  fortifications  of  our  ports  and 
harbours,  are  fubjedts  of  great  national  importance, 
and,  together  with  the  other  meafures  you  have 
been  pleafed  to  recommend,  will  receive  our  delibe- 
rate confideration. 

The  fuccefs  of  the  troops  under  the  command  of 
General  Wayne,  cannot  fail  to  produce  effeniial 
advantages.  The  pleafure  with  which  we  acknow- 
ledge the  merits  of  that  gallant  General  and  army,  is 
enhanced  by  the  hope,  that  their  victories  will  lay 
the  foundation  for  a  juft  and  durable  peace,  with  the 
Indian  tribes. 

At  a  period  fo  momentous  in  the  affairs  of  nations, 
the  temperate,  juft  and  firm  policy,  that  you  have 
purfued,  in  reipect  to  foreign  powers,  has  been 
eminently  calculated  to  promote  the  great  and  effen- 
tial  intereft  of  our  country,  and  has  created  the 
fairell  title  to  the  public  gratitude  and  thanks. 

JOHN  ADAMS, 

Vice  Prefident  of  the  United  States, 
and  Prelident  ot"  the  Senate. 

It  was  then  Ordered,  That  Mr.  King,  Mr.  Ellf- 
worth,  and  Mr.  Izard,  the  committee  who  drafted 
the  Addrefs  to  the  Prelident  of  the  United  States,  in 
anfwer  to  his  Speech  at  the  opening  of  the  fcffion, 
iliould  wait  on  him,  to  know  at  what  time  and  place 
it  will  be  conveiiicnt  for  him  that  it  fliould  be  pre- 
fented.  The  Prefident  acquainted  them  that  he  would 
meet  the  Senate  to-morrow  at  twelve  o'clock,  at  his 
own  houfe,  for  that  purpofc. 

A  melTage  v/as  received  from  the  Prefident,  com- 
municating copies  of  a  letter  from  the  Governor  of 

New- 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  63 

New-York,  and  of  the  exemplification  of  an  aft  of 
the  legiflature  of  that  flate,  ratifying  the  amendment 
of  the  conftitution  of  the  United  States,  propofed 
by  Congrefs  at  their  lail  fcflion,  refpefting  the  judi- 
cial power. 

The  Vice  Prefident  laid  before  the  Senate,  a  cer- 
tificate of  notice  given  to  Rufus  Putnam  and  others, 
agreeable  to  the  order  of  the  Senate,  of  13th  of 
May  lalf,  to  fliew  caufe  refpefting  the  claims  of  the 
people  of  Galiiopolis.  The  certificate  was  read  and 
ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Mr.  Langdon,  Mr.  Izard,  and  Mr  Burr,  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  report  fuch  rules  as  may 
be  neceflary,  to  compel  the  attendance  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Senate.     Adjourned. 

In  the  Houfe  of  Reprcfentatives,  this  day,  there 
was  prefented  the  petition  of  Jofeph  M'Craken,  of 
the  county  of  Wafliington,  in  the  (late  of  New- 
York.  He  prayed  com.penfhtion  for  fervices  per- 
formed, and  money  advanced  by  himfelf,  as  a  con- 
tinental captain,  during  the  late  war.  A.  petition 
for  Eliflia  Frizell,  of  the  flate  of  New- York,  was 
alfo  prefenteJ.  The  petitioner  requefted  an  arrear- 
age of  penfion  due  to  him  for  military  fervices  ren- 
dered to  the  United  States,  during  the  late  war. 
Both  petitions  were  referred  to  the  committee  o^' 
claims. 

Mr.  Watts  moved  for  leave  to  bring  in  a  bill  for 
the  relief  of  John  R.  Livingilone.  Mr.  Coit,  Mr. 
Gordon,  and  Mr.  Neville,  were  appointed  as  a 
committee  for  that  purpofe. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  fron  the  committee  appointed, 
brought  in  a  bill  for  granting  to  Mr.  James  White, 
the  delegate  to  Congrefs  from  the  territory  South- 
weft  of  the  Ohio,  the  privilege  of  franking  let- 
ters, as  alfj  to  provide  fv.r  his  compenfaiion,  as  de- 

let^ate 


64  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

legate  to  the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives,  in  the  fame 
way  that  the  members  are  corapenfated.  The  bill 
"was  twice  read  and  committed  for  to-morrow. 

Mr.  Madifon  reported  from  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  draft  an  anfwer  to  die  Prefident's  fpeech. 
The  draft  was  read.  It  was  propofed  to  print  it. 
Mr.  Parker  thought  this  effentially  reqiiifite.  The 
draft  required  ferious  dcHberatioJi ;  this  could  only 
be  obtained  by  printing,  for,  to  defer  the  difcuffion 
till  Monday  would  otherwife  anfwer  very  little  pur- 
pofe.  Very  few  of  the  members  could  in  any  other 
way,  have  an  opportunity  to  fee  the  intended  ad- 
drefs. 

Mr.  Tracey  exprelTed  his  fear  that  the  people 
who  print  Newfpapcrs  might  get  hold  of  it ;  and 
then  it  would  be  publiflied  incorreftly,  and  when 
the  houfe  would  perhaps  be  making  important  alter- 
ations. (The  fears  of  this  gentleman  W'ere  unfound- 
ed. The  Printers  of  Philadelphia  have  too  much 
value  for  the  time  of  their  readers  to  publiili  any 
paper,  knowing  it  to  be  incomplete,  and  on  the 
point  of  being  perfected. ) 

Mr.  Sedgwick  faw  no  reafon  why  it  might  not  be 
printed  as  well  as  any  bill,  or  indeed  any  thing  elfc. 
It  was  equally  the  act  of  the  Houfe. 

It  was  agreed  to  print  this  draft  for  the  ufe  of  the 
members. 

The  Houfe  made  farther  progreis  in  reading  the 
communications  from  the  Prefidcnt. 

The  Houfe  then  went  into  a  committee  of  the 
•whole,  Mr.  Trumbull  in  the  chair,  on  the  Prefident's 
fpeech. 

Mr.  W.  Smith  moved  a  refolution,  That  it  is  the 

opinion  of  this  committee  that  provifion  ought  to 

be  made  by  law  for  raifmg  a  force  to  be  compofed 

of  the  militia  of  the  United  States  to  be  ftationed 

2  within 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  6$ 

witbin  the  four  weftern  counties  of  Pennfylvaniai 
for  fuch  period  as  fhall  be  found  neceffary  to  fecure 
the  execution  of  the  laws. 

Mr.  Giles  wanted  to  have  proper  information  how 
many  troops  would  be  wanted.  He  certainly  fhould 
not  oppofe  the  motion  ;  but  he  hoped  that  when  the 
committee  appointed  {hould  report  fuch  a  bill,  they 
would  be  able  to  give  every  information  relative  to 
the  weflern  counties.  He  was  fenfible  that  difpatch 
was  neceffary,  as  the  provifion  was  required  to  be 
completely  enafted  within  thirty  days  ;  but  he  wi£h- 
ed  for  information  to  determine  what  force  would 
be  required,  and  for  how  long  a  time  it  would  pro- 
bably be  wanted. 

Mr.  Dayton  agreed  that  information  would  be 
wanted  to  determine  the  number  of  troops  that 
would  be  required  ;  but  if  there  exifted  an  opinion 
that  no  provifion  of  the  kind  is  neceffary,  the  bufi- 
nefs  (hould  be  oppofed  in  its  prefent  flage.  For  his' 
part  he  was  fully  convinced  that  fomething  was  ne- 
ceffary. As  to  information,  he  wiftied  it  to  come 
officially  to  the  houfe  rather  than  through  any  com- 
mittee. 

Mr.  Sedgwick  hoped  that  the  m.otion  would  be 
agreed  to.  He  had  information  fnfficient,  at  the 
prefent  time,  to  convince  him  that  it  was  neceffary 
a  force  fliould  be  (lationed  ;  it  would  be  a  fubjecl  of 
future  enquiry  what  force  would  be  requifite. 

Mr.  Nicholas  faid  that  from  information  he  had 
of  perfons  from  the  wellern  counties  he  believed, 
that  fome  force  fliould  be  ftationed  there.  Th^re 
were  a  number  of  perfons  ftill  lurking  about,  who 
had  not  returned  to  their  hom:fs  fmcc  the  breaking 
out  of  the  di(turbance<. 

Mr.  Fitzfimons  wilhed  the  motion  agreed  to. 
The  Houfe  are  in  poffcrffion,  he  conceived,  of  fuffi- 

F  cieat 


66  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

cient  information  to  pafs  the  refolution.  When  the 
bill  comes  before  them,  the  force  required,  and  the 
term  of  fervice,  would  become  objefts  of  conlider- 
atioii.  borne  members  have  informarion  on  this 
fubject  which  they  no  doubt  will  communicate.  The 
bufmefs  preffes. 

Mr.  Murray  made  mention  of  a  letter  received 
from  a  general  officer  dated  the  13th  of  November, 
which  ftates  that  1000  of  the  infurgents  have  gone 
down  the  Ohio  unarmed,  and  that  300  armed  had 
crolTed  the  Ohio,  and  declared  it  as  their  intention 
to  return  as  foon  as  the  army  £hou!d  retire. 

The  refolution  was  agreed  to  by  the  committee  j 
and  hkewife  the  four  following  : 

That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  committee,  that  far- 
ther provlfion  ought  to  be  made  by  law,  for  the  re- 
demption of  the  public  debt. 

That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  committee,  that  a 
plan  ought  to  be  prepared,  for  the  better  organizing, 
arming  and  difciplining  the  militia  of  the  United 
States  ;  and  further  to  provide  for  calling  them  forth, 
to  execute  the  laws  of  the  union,  fupprefs  infurrec- 
tions,  and  repel  invafions. 

That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  committee,  that  en- 
quiry ought  to  be  made,  whether  the  fortifications, 
which  have  already  been  licenfed  by  law,  are  com- 
menfurate  with  the  public  exigence. 

That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  committee,  that  fo 
much  of  the  Prefident's  fpecch,  as  relates  to  improv- 
ing of  harmony  with  the  Indian  nations  within  our 
limits,  by  fixing  and  conducing  of  trading  houfes, 
fliould  be  referred  to  a  fpecial  coramitiee  to  report 
thereon. 

The  committee  then  rofe,  the  chairman  reported 
progref^,  and  the  Houfe  took  up  the  refolutions. 
The  iirll,  fecond,  third,    and  fifth,  were  feverally 

read 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  5; 

read  a  fecond  time,  and  agreed  to  by  the  Houfe. 
The  fourth  was  agreed  to,  after  being  amended  as 
follows  : 

Refolved,  That  the  Prefident  of  the  United  States 
be  requefted  to  dire6l  the  proper  officer  to  lay  before 
this  Houfe,  a  (latement  of  the  progrefs  made  in  the 
fortifications  licenced  by  law. 

Mr.  Murray,  Mr.  Hillhoufe  and  Mr.  Giles  vrere 
appointed  to  prepare  and  bring  in  a  bill  or  bills,  on 
the  firft  refoiution. 

Mr.  William  Smith,  Mr.  Ames,  Mr.  Fitzfimons, 
Mr.  Duvali,  and  Mr.  Nicholas,  were  appointed  to 
prepare  and  report  a  plan  purfuant  to  the  fecond 
refoiution. 

Mr.  Giles,  Mr.  Sedgwick,  Mr  Heiiler,  Mr. 
Locke,  and  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  were  named  as  a 
committee,  agreeable  to  the  firft  part  of  the  third 
refoiution. 

Mr.  Dayton,  Mr.  Hartley,  Mr.  Benjamin  Bourne, 
Mr.  Harrifon,  and  Mr.  M'Dowcll,  were  appointed 
a  committee  purfuant  to  the  fecond  part  of  the  third 
refoiution. 

Mr.  Bailey  and  Mr.  Armftrong,  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  wait  on  the  Prefident  with  the  fourth 
refoiution. 

Mr.  Parker,  Mr.  Blount,  Mr.  Boudinot,  Mr. 
Findley,  and  Mr.  Greenup,  were  appointed  a  com- 
mittee, agreeable  to  the  fifth  refoiution* 

It  was  farther  refolved,  that,  on  Monday  tiexr, 
the  Houfe  will  refolve  itfelf  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole  Houfe,  on  the  fpeech  of  the  Prefident. 

Mr.  Parker,  from  the  committee,  to  whom  was 
referred  the  petition  of  Mofes  Myers,  made  a  report, 
which  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

A  meifage  in  writing  was  received  from  the  Pi^- 
fident,  being  a  copy  of  rhat  tranfmirred  bv  him,  this 

F  Q.  '  day 


63  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

day  to  the  Senate,  refpecling  a  communication  from 
the  Governor  of  New- York.  The  meffage  and 
papers  were  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

A  moiion  was  alfo  brought  forward  to  provide  an 
indemnification  for  the  fufferers  by  the  diflurbances 
in  the  Weftern  Counties  of  Pennfylvania  ;  but  it  was 
withdrawn  from  before  the  committee  of  the  whole 
with  an  indention  of  laying  it  on  the  table  of  the 
Houfe,  as  fome  members  requefted  time  for  confi- 
deration  before  the  bufmefs  was  afted  upon. 

The  Houfe  refumed  the  reading  of  the  papers, 
communicated  yefterday,  by  meFage  from  the  Pre- 
fident,  and  made  a  farther  progrefs  therein. 

And  then  the  Houfe  adjourned  until  Monday  fore- 
noon, at  eleven  o'clock.- 

SATURDAY,  die  ad  of  Novembrr,  1794. 

This  day,  the  Senate  waited  on  the  Prcfident, 
and  the  Vice  Prefident,  in  their  name,  prefented 
the  addrefs  above-mentioned.  The  Prefident  re- 
plied as  follows. 

GENTLEMEJJ, 

AMONG  theoccafions  wlrich  have  been  afforded 
for  expreffing  my  fcnfe  of  the  zealous  and  fledfaft 
co-operation  of  the  Senate,  in  the  maintenance  of 
government,  none  has  yet  occurred,  more  forcibly 
demanding  my  unqualified  acknowledgments,  than 
the  prefent. 

Next  to  the  confcioufnefs  of  upright  intentions,  it 
is  the  higheft  pleafure  to  be  approved  by  the  en- 
lightened reprelentatives  of  a  free  nation.  With 
the  farisfafticn,  therefore,  which  arifes  from  an  un- 
alterable attachment  to  public  order,  do  I  learn, 

thas 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  6g 

that  the  Senate  difcountenance  thofe  proceedings 
which  would  arrogate  the  direftion  of  our  aflairs, 
without  any  degree  of  authority  derived  from  the 
people. 

It  has  been  more  than  once  the  lot  of  our  go- 
vernment, to  be  thrown  into  new  and  delicate  fitua- 
tions ;  and  of  thefe,  the  infurre6lion  has  not  been 
the  lead  important.  Having  been  compelled  at 
length  to  lay  afi  Je  my  repugnance  to  refort  to  arms, 
i  derive  much  happinefs  from  being  confirmed,  by 
your  judgment,  in  the  neceffity  of  decifive  meafures, 
and  from  the  fiipport  of  my  fellow-citizens  of  the  mi- 
litia, who  were  the  patriotic  inftruments  of  that  ne- 
ceffity. 

With  fuch  demonftrations  of  affeftion  for  our  con- 
flitution,  with  an  adequate  organization  of  the  mi- 
litia, with  the  eftablifliment  of  neceflary  fortifica- 
tions, with  a  continuance  of  thofe  judicious  and  fpi- 
rited  exertions,  which  have  brought  viftory  to  our 
weftern  army,  with  a  due  attention  to  public  credit, 
and  an  unfullied  honor  towards  all  nations,  we  may 
meet,  under  every  affurance  of  fuccefs,  our  enemies 
from  within  and  from  without. 

G°  WASHINGTON. 

Tlie  Senate  returned  to  their  chamber,  and  ad- 
journed till  Monday  forenoon,  at  eleven  o'clock. 

MONDAY,  the  24th  of  November,  1794. 

The  Senate  affembled  ;  the  Hon.  John  Ruther- 
ford, from  the  (late  of  New-Jerfey,  attended,  and 
took  his  feat. 

The  petition  of  Sanrael  Stearns,  phyfician,  was 

prefented  and  read.     It  prayed  compenfation  to  the 

petitioner  for  medicine,  and  attendance  on  certain 

jtck  foldiers,  during  the  late  war.    The  petition,  and 

F  3  account 


7«  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

account  therewith  produced,  were  referred  to  the 
Secretary  at  War,  to  confider  and  report  to  the 
Senate.  The  reading  of  the  papers  communicated 
by  the  Prcfidt-nt  was  then  lefumed,  and  after  fome 
farther  progrefs,  the  Senate  adjourned. 

When  the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives  met  this  day, 
the  petitions  of  Thomas  Marfliall  and  of  Robert 
Peliug,  were  prefenied  and  read.  The  petitioners 
prayed  compenfation  for  fervices  and  fufferings  in  the 
American  army,  during  the  late  war. 

Alfo,  a  petition  of  Abigail  Lewis,  widow,  and  legal 
reprefentative  of  the  Rev.  Ichabod  Lewis  deceafed. 
Mrs.  Lewis  prayed  for  the  liquidation  and  fettlement 
of  a  claim  for  damages  done  to  the  property  of  her 
late  hu[band,  by  a  detachment  of  the  American  army, 
fometime  in  the  year  1776.  Thefe  petitions  were 
referred  to  the  committee  of  claims. 

Mr.  Bailey,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  wait 
on  the  Prefident  as  to  the  fortifications,  reported, 
that  the  Prefident  had  promifed  to  make  the  proper 
officers  lay  the  accounts  before  the  Houfe. 

The  Speaker  laid  before  the  Houfe  a  letter  and 
report  from  the  Secretary  at  War,  on  the  memorial 
of  Peter  Perrit,  which  were  read,  and  ordered  to 
lie  on  the  table. 

The  Houfe,  agreeable  to  the  order  of  the  day, 
then  went  into  a  committee,  Mr.  Cobb  in  the  chair, 
on  the  draft  of  the  addrefs  in  anfwer  to  the  Prefi- 
dent's  fpeech.  The  addrefs  was  firfl  read  by  the 
clerk  ;  and  then  by  the  chairman. 

Mr.  Dayton  rofe  to  exprefs  his  furprife,  that,  in 
the  addrefs  to  the  Prefident,  no  notice  whatever  had 
been  taken  of  that  part  of  the  fpeech  which  related 
to  the  army  under  General  Wayne,  and  as  to  the 
readinefs  of  the  Houfe  to  concur  in  the  requifite 
meaftyres  for  a  proper  organization  of  the  militia. 

The 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  71 

The  fuccefs  of  the  troops  under  General  Wayne 
might  contribute  very  materially  to  the  putting  an 
end  to  the  Indian  war,  and  thus  add  to  the  power 
of  difcharging  a  part  of  the  public  debt.  He  then 
read  the  following  amendment : 

'*  We  are  deeply  imprefled  with  the  importance 
of  an  effe^lual  organization  of  the  militia.  We  re- 
joice at  the  intelligence  of  the  advance  and  fuccefs 
of  the  army  under  the  command  of  General  Wayne; 
whether  we  regard  it  as  a  proof  of  the  perfeverance, 
prowefs,  and  fuperiority  of  our  troops,  or  as  a  happy 
prefage  to  our  military  operations  againfl  the  hoftile 
Indians,  and  a  probable  prelude  to  the  eftablifhment 
of  a  lading  peace  upon  terms  of  candour,  equity, 
and  good  neighbourhood.  Our  pleafare  derived  from 
this  fource  is  the  greater,  as  it  increafcs  the  proba- 
bility of  fooner  relloring  a  part  of  the  public  re- 
fources  to  the  dcfireable  objedt  of  reducing  the  pub- 
lic debt.'* 

Mr.  Madifon  had  no  objeftion  to  this  amendment. 
He  read  a  fecond  amendment  containing  an  anfwer 
to  the  following  part  of  the  Prefident's  fpeech  : — 
"  My  poHcy  in  our  foreign  tranfaftions  has  been  to 
•cultivate  peace  with  all  the  world,  to  obferve  treaties 
with  pure  and  abfolute  faith,  to  check  every  devia- 
tion from  the  line  of  impartiality,  to  explain  what 
may  have  been  mif-apprehended,  and  correft  what 
may  have  been  injurious  to  any  nation  ;  and  having 
thus  acquired  the  right,  to  lofe  no  time  in  acquiring 
the  ability,  to  infiil  upon  juftice  being  done  to  our- 
felves." 

Mr.  Madifon  moved  that  his  additional  amendment 
fliould  be  inferted  immediately  after  that  of  Mr.  Day- 
ton, to  this  effeft :  "  Solicitous  alfo  as  we  are  for 
the  prefervation  of  peace  with  all  nations  we  cannot 
otherwifc  than  warmly  approve  of  a  policy  in  our 

forei^a 


72  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

foreign  tranfa^tions,  which  never  lofes  fight  of  that 
bleffing :» 

Mr.  Dayton  was  wilh'ng  that  the  claufe  fhould  be 
annexed  to  his  original  motion. 

Mr.  Hillhoufe  wiftied  the  word  your  fubftituted  for 
the  article  a  [[marked  in  italic  in  the  claufe  lafl:  quot- 
ed], that  the  policy  of  the  executive  might  be  more 
clearly  pointed  to. 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Smith  faid,  that  he  had  drafted  an 
amendment  to  the  addrefs,  which  contained  the  idea 
the  gentleman  laft  up  wiflied  to  be  expreffed  and 
another ;  he  read  it  in  his  place,  it  was  to  the  fol- 
lowing purport :  "  Your  policy  in  our  foreign  tran- 
faftions  as  it  ftiews  an  ardent  difpofition  for  peace 
has  our  hearty  approbation ;  and  we  affure  you  we 
ihall  omit  nothing  on  our  part,  towards  acquiring 
the  ability  as  well  as  right  of  exacting  from  all  na- 
tions the  fulfilment  of  their  duties  towards  us." 

Mr.  Dayton,  in  the  mean  time,  obferved  that  there 
was  no  neceffary  connexion  between  his  amendment 
and  that  of  Mr  Madifon.  He  therefore  hoped  that 
his,  with  refpeft  to  General  Wayne  and  the  army 
on  the  North-weftern  frontier  would  pafs  in  the 
mean  time.     This  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Sedgwick  faid  that  the  Houfe  had  been  ofteti 
obliged  to  the  pen  of  the  gentleman  from  Virginia 
(Mr.  Madifon).  Perhaps  that  gentleman  himfelf 
would  be  difpofed  to  think  the  amendment  of  the 
member  from  Connefticut  (Mr.  Hillhoufe)  better 
than  his  own. 

Mr.  Nicholas  preferred  the  amendment  of  Mr. 
Madifon  to  any  other  that  had  been  propofed..  He 
imagined  that  the  one  offered  by  Mr.  W.  Smith 
pledged  the  Houfe  to  approve  of  the  particular  mea- 
fiires  adopted  by  the  Prefident  as  to  foreign  powers, 
}r  this  Mr.  Nicholas  referred  fpecially  to  the  miffion 

of 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  73 

of  Mr.  Jay  to  the  Court  of  London.  We  are  not 
acquainted  with  the  individual  powers  or  inftruftions 
granted  to  that  envoy.  Our  approbation  has  no 
datum  on  which  it  can  proceed,  and  how  are  the 
committee  to  pretend  approbation  for  what  they  do 
not  know.  The  Prefident  would  laugh  at  fuch  con- 
duft.  The  amendment  of  Mr.  Madifon  is  more 
guarded.  It  goes  to  approve  general  principles,  but 
not  individual  meafures.  This  is,  we  believe,  an 
accurate  fummary  of  the  leading  ideas  of  the  mem- 
ber. 

Mr.  Hillhoufe  thought  that  he  had  been  mlfunder- 
ftood.  His  amendment  did  not  go  beyond  general 
approbation  of  principles.  He  never  intended  indif- 
criminate  applaufe. 

Mr.  W.  Smith  faid  that  the  Houfe  had  got  them- 
felves  into  a  labyrinth  of  amendments  upon  amend- 
ments. It  was  very  difficult  to  word  an  addrefs,  in 
fuch  a  way  as  to  be  entirely  free  from  exception. 
The  matter  had  funk  into  a  mere  verbal  difpute. 
He  therefore  moved  that  the  committee  of  the  whole 
Houfe  fhould  now  rife,  and  the  draft  fliould  be  re- 
ferred back  to  the  fpecial  committee. 

Mr.  Dayton  knew  not  why  the  envoy  (Mr.  Jay) 
had  been  fent  to  Europe.  By  this  he  meant  that  he 
did  not  know  his  inftruftions.  He  never  \yculd  ap- 
prove, or  fay  that  he  approved  of  what  he  did  not 
know.  He  was  therefore  againft  tiie  amendment 
offered  by  the  gentleman  from  Connefticut.  That 
of  the  gentleman  from  Virginia  went  quite  far  enough. 
Rather  than  vote  for  fuch  a  thing  he  would  rejcA 
the  whole. 

Mr.  Giles  obje£led  to  the  motion  of  Mr.  W.  Smith 
for  rifmg.  The  Prefident  has  not  in  his  fpeech  faid 
that  the  Houfe  are  informed  as  to  the  motives  of  his 
meafures,  or  the  extent  of  the  in(lru<5lions  to  his 
envoy.     Why  then  fliall  the  Houfe  think  thcmfelves 

obliged 


74  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

obliged  to  approve  them  ?  There  has  already  inter* 
vened  a  delay  of  feveral  days,  fince  the  fpeech  wa5 
delivered.  If  an  anfwer  is  to  be  given  at  all,  it  ought 
to  be  given  immediately.  To  rife  and  refer  the  draft 
of  the  addrefs  back  again  to  the  committee,  will  not 
mend  the  matter. 

The  motion  for  rifmg  and  referring  back  to  the 
fpecial  committee,  was  negatived. 

Mr.  Nicholas  then  rofe  in  defence  of  Mr.  Madi- 
fon's  amendment.  He  thought  that  the  Houfe  ftiould 
not  bow  fo  much  to  the  executive,  as  to  approve  of 
its  proceedings  without  knowing  what  they  were. 
Gentlemen  fay.  ihat  they  do  not  mean  an  implicit 
approbation.  Why  then  hazard  words  that  infer  it  ? 
He  would  go  as  far  in  thanking  the  Prefident  as  any 
perfon,  with  propriety  could  go. 

Mr.  Lee  read  an  amendment,  which  he  alfo  had 
intended  to  make.  This  gentleman  added  a  few 
words,  but  in  fo  low  a  voice  that  he  could  fcarcely 
be  heard,  in  fome  parts  of  the  Houfc. 

Mr.  Sedgwick  infifted  that  the  a-nendment  of  the 
member  from  Connecticut  (Mr.  Hiilhoufe)  was  pre- 
ferable to  the  other.  The  Prefidimt  had  faid  that 
his  policy  in  regard  to  foreign  nations  is  founded  on 
jufticc.  We  approve  of  that.  He  recites  his  mo- 
tives. They  alfo  are  approved.  Where  then  is  the 
danger  of  expreffmg  a  general  approbation  ?  Would 
it  be  proper  to  give  an  approbation  that  cannot  be 
appropriated,  and  that  has  no  definite  meaning  ? 
Mr.  Sedgwick  was  far  from  defigning  to  approve 
explicitly  or  implicitly,  what  the  Houfe  were  not 
acquainted  with.  He  only  intended  to  convey  a  ge- 
neral fentiment  of  approbation  ;  and  he  faw  nothing 
more  than  this  in  the  amendment  of  the  gentleraan 
from  Connefticut. 

Mr.  Hiilhoufe  never  defigned  indifcriminate  appro- 
bation J  nor  had  he  any  fecret  meaning  couched  un- 
der 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  75 

^er  the  words  of  his  amendment.  When  he  had 
any  thing  to  fay  to  the  Houfe,  he  came  honeftly 
and  told  them  in  plain  words  what  he  would  be  at. 
He  meant  to  exprefs  his  applaufe  of  pacific  and  equit- 
able meafures.  As  to  the  quedion  fo  often  referred 
to,  (the  embaiTy  of  Mr.  Jay)  he  folemnly  declared 
that  it  never  was  in  his  mind,  to  exprefs  any  thing 
about  it.  The  prefent  members  had  nothing  to  fay 
in  the  matter.    It  would  come  before  another  body. 

Mr.  Madifon  imagined  that  in  his  motion,  as  now 
worded,  every  perfon  might  fee  fubflaiitial  approba- 
tion-. 

Mr.  Ames.  Jealoufy  may  become  habitual,  as 
well  as  confidence.  Nothing  but  a  habit  of  jealoufy 
could  have  found  any  thing  of  a  fecret  in  this  verbal 
diftin£tion  of  your  policy  inflead  of  a  policy.  (The 
reader  will  obferve  that  this  difference  of  a  word 
feemed  to  be  the  chief,  if  not  the  only  expreffion,  in 
each  one  of  the  two  rival  amendments,  which  was 
difagreeable  to  the  gentlemen  who  objected  to  it.) 
The  dillinftion  was  trifling,  but,  if  there  mull  be 
one,  he  preferred  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Hillhoufe. 
His  reafons  for  this  preference  were  fo  minute,  that 
they  perhaps  had  little  more  value  than  what  his 
imagination  chofe  io  give  them.  In  the  mean  time 
nobody  will  fuppofe  that  we  do  not  approve  of  the 
poHcy  of  the  Prefident  in  preferring  pacific  meafures, 
becaufe  the  fyftem  of  peace  is  now  preferred  all  over 
the  continent  of  America. 

Mr.  Dayton  rofe  to  make  a  reply  to  "  remarks  fj 
"  iUiberal.*'  Mr.  Ames  here  rofe  again  and  faid  that 
the  gentleman  certainly  could  not  mean  him.^-'-'-  I 
"  mean  that  gentleman,  Mr.  Speaker,"  fiid  Mr. 
Dayton,  pointing  to  Mr.  Ames.  "  He  has  accufed 
"me  of  habits  o^  jealmfy.  To  this  charge  Mr. 
Dayton  rejoined  with  feme  warmth.  He  agaia  de- 
clared that  he  never  would  pledge  himfelf  to  approve 

of 


75  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

of  the  miffion  of  Mr.  Jay,  till  he  ihould  learn  what 
were  that  gentleman's  inftrudlions.  He  meant  to 
draw  this  line  of  diilinftion.  to  give  approbation  of 
general  principles,  but  not  of  particular  meafures. 
The  former  he  conlidered  as  implied  in  the  amend- 
ment of  Mr.  Madifon,  the  latter  in  that  of  Mr.  Hill- 
hoiife. 

Mr.  Vans  Murray  confidered  the  difpute  as  refting 
on  the  words  a  policy,  and  your  policy.  He  would 
not  give  explicit  approbation  to  particular  meafures, 
but  he  approved  the  general  principles  on  which 
the  Prefident  preferred  a  pacific  fyftem.  This  mem- 
ber fpoke  fomewhat  low.  We  underftood  that  he 
preferred  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Hillhoufe. 

Mr.  Giles.  It  is  admitted  on  all  fides  of  the  Houfe, 
that  we  approve  the  general  principle,  but  will  not 
pledge  ourfelves  to  approve  the  particular  means.  It 
is  bell  then,  to  adopt  the  lead  equivocal  words.  Mr. 
Giles  allowed  that  there  was  but  little  difference,  yet 
he  ftiould  vote  for  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Madifon, 
as  it  flood. 

Mr.  Dexter,  in  oppofition  to  the  fentiments  of  the 
l^entlemen  who  had  laft  fat  down,  would  vote  for 
"  yatir  policy,'*  inflead  of  "  a  policy."  The  latter 
made  the  fenience  an  abftraft  propofition.  The  words 
•'  your  policy"  made  it  a  perfonal  application.  The 
omiflion  of  the  word  your,  tended  to  an  implication 
of  cenfure.  If  an  abilracl  propofition  was  the  whole 
meaning  intended  to  be  expreffcd,  that  nneaning 
might  as  well  be  put  into  any  other  place,  as  into  an 
addrefs  to  the  Prefident.  He  did  not  fee  the  ufe 
of  it.  "  Praife,"  faid  Mr.  Dexter,  ''  is  the  only 
"  reward  which  a  perfon  receives  in  a  republican 
*'  government ;  or  at  leaft,  it  is  the  greateft  reward  ; 
"  and  if  with-held  where  due,  the  effeft  mufl:  be 
*'  pernicious.  Here,  it  would  be  of  more  particular 
*'  impropriety  to  withhold  praife,  whea  all  our  con- 

"  dituents 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  77 

**  ftltuents  approve  the  pacific  policy  of  the  Prefi- 
"  dent."  It  would  have  been  a  matter  of  little  con- 
fequence  at  firft,  whether  "  a  policy"  or  "  your 
"  policy"  had  been  adopted,  for  every  reader  would 
have  underftood  it  as  an  approbation  of  the  Pefidenr. 
But  now,  after  fuch  a  debate,  if  we  fcruple  at  the 
word  your^  all  the  world  will  conclude,  that  we  mean 
an  implied  cenfure. 

Mr.  Baldwin  fpoke,  but  an  accidental  noife  pre- 
vented our  hearing  him  difcindly. 

Mr.  Boudinot  faid  that  he  adopted  the  word  your 
as  unequivocal.  He  had  no  meaning,  but  what  was 
open  and  candid.  By  adopting  the  amendment,  the 
houfe  would  make  that  language  explicit,  which  was 
at  prefent,  at  leaft  in  fome  degree,  ambiguous. 

Mr.  Tracy  pronounced  an  elegant  panegyric  on 
the  character  and  conduft  of  the  Prefident  of  the 
United  States,  whom  no  man  admired  more  fmcerely 
than  he  did,  though  he  could  not  fpeak  this  from 
the  honour  of  enjoying  a  perfonal  acquaintance.  He 
recommended  to  Mr.  Madifon,  rather  to  withdraw 
his  motion  of  amendment  altogether,  than  bring  it 
forward  at  fuch  an  expence  of  the  good  temper  of 
the  Houfe.  The  prefent  feffion  had  commenced  with 
good  aufpices,  and  much  cordiality,  and  he  would 
be  extremely  forry  to  difturb  this  tranquility. 

Mr.  Madifon  faid  that  he  felt  fcnfibly  the  force  of 
the  remarks,  made  by  the  gentleman  who  was  lad  up. 
In  confequence  of  thefe  remarks,  he  fliould  be  happy 
to  withdraw  his  amendment.  This  was  accordingly 
done.  The  whole  fubjeft  of  debate  became  at  once 
annihilated.  It  v/as  then  prcpofed,  that  die  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  Houfe,  fhould  rife,  and  report 
the  draught  of  the  addrefs  as  originally  given  in  by 
the  fpecial  committee,  with  the  additional  amend- 
ment that  hiid  been  propofed  by  Mr.  D;iyton,  and 
adopted.. 

Mr. 


78  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

Mr.  Fitzfimmons  then  rofe,  and  faid  that  it  would 
feem  fomewhat  incongruous  for  the  Houfe  to  prefenc 
an  addrefs  to  the  Prefident,  which  omitted  all  notice 
of  fo  very  important  an  article  in  his  fpeech,  as  that 
referring  to  theyd'//'-^r^<2/'<?^  focieties.  Mr.  Fitzfim- 
mons then  read  a  long  amendment,  which  gave  rife 
to  an  interefting  debate.  The  amendment  was  in 
thefe  words  : 

"  As  part  of  this  fubjeft,  we  cannot  with-hold  our 
"  reprobation  of  the  felf- credited  focieties,  which 
*'  have  rifen  up  in  fome  parts  of  the  union,  mifrepre- 
"  fenting  the  conduft  of  the  government,  and  dif- 
"  fturbing  the  operation  of  the  lavv^s,  and  which,  by 
"  deceiving  and  inflaming  the  ignorant,  and  the  weak, 
"  may  naturally  be  fuppofed  to  have  ftimulated  and 
*'  urged  the  infurreftion. 

"  I'hefe  are  inftitutions  not  ftridly  unlawful,  yet 
"  not  lefs  fatal  to  good  order,  and  true  liberty,  and 
"  reprehenfible  in  the  degree  that  our  fyftem  of  go* 
"  vernment  approaches  to  perfeft  political  freedom. **" 

Mr.  Giles  rofe  to  ftate  at  large  his  fentiments,  as 
to  this  exprelTion  in  the  fpeech  of  the  Prefident,  about 
felf-created  focieties.  The  tone  of  that  pafTage  in  the 
fpeech  had  made  a  great  deal  of  noife  without  doors, 
and  it  was  likely  to  produce  a  confidcrable  agitation 
within  doors.  Here  a  motion  was  made  for  the  rifing 
of  the  committee.  Mr.  Giles  did  not  v/ifh  to  prefs 
himfelf  upon  the  attention  of  the  committee,  but  if 
ihey  were  difpofed  to  hear  him,  he  was  prepared  to 
proceed. 

Mr.  Sedgwick  objected  to  the  rifing  of  the  com^- 
mittee.  The  Houfe  had  been  often  entertained  and 
informed  by  the  ingenuity  of  the  gentleman  who  was 
BOW  prepared  to  addrefs  them. 

Mr.  W.  Smith  confidered  it  as  oppofite  to  the 
praftice  of  the  Houfe,  for  a  member  to  move  that  a 
committee  fliould  rife^  at  the  very  time  when  gentle- 

mca 


POLrnCAL  REGISTER.  79 

men  declared  themfelvcs  ready  to  deliver  their  fenti- 
ments. 

It  was  repeatedly  enquired  from  the  chair,  by 
whom  this  motion  was  made.  No  anfwer  was  (^ivcn  ; 
and  it  feemed  to  be  the  unanimous  wifh  of  the  Houfe, 
that  Mr.  Giles  ftiould  proceed,  which  he  did  ac- 
cordingly. Mr.  Giles  began  by  declaring,  that  when 
he  faw,  or  thought  that  he  faw,  the  Houfe  of  Repre- 
fentatives  about  to  ere£l  icfelf  into  an  ofEce  of  cen- 
forfliip,  he  could  not  fit  filent.  He  did  not  rife  with 
with  the  hope  of  making  profelytes,  but  he  trulled 
that  the  fiat  of  no  perfon  in  America  fhould  ever  be 
taken  for  truth,  implicitly,  and  without  evidence. 
Mr.  Giles  next  entered  into  an  encomium  of  fome 
length,  on  the  public  fcrvices  and  perfonal  charafter 
of  the  Prefidem.  He  vindicated  himfelf  from  an}?- 
want  of  refpedl  or  ellecm  towards  him.  He  then 
entered  into  an  examination  of  the  propriety  o^  the 
exprellion  employed  by  the  Prcfident,  with  regard 
to  felf-created  focieties.  Mr.  Giles  faid,  that  there 
was  not  an  individual  in  America,  v/ho  might  nor 
come  under  the  charge  of  being  a  member  of  fome 
one  or  oi\\tx  felf-creaied  fociety.  Aflbciations  of  this 
kind,  religious,  political  and  philofophical,  were  to 
be  found  in  every  quarter  of  the  continent.  The 
Bapiifts  and  Methodifts,  for  example,  might  be 
termed  felf-created  focieties.  The  people  called  the 
Friends  were  of  the  fame  kind.  Every  pulpit  in  the 
United  States  might  be  included  in  this  vote  of  cen- 
fure,  fmcc,  from  every  one  of  them,  upon  occahcn, 
inflrudions  had  been  delivered,  not  only  for  the  eter- 
nal welfare,  but  likewife  for  the  temporal  h  ippinefs  of 
the  people.  There  had  been  political  focieties  in  Penn- 
fylvania  long  before  the  prefent  ones  e.xi{led,  and  for 
fimilar  purpofes.  The  venerable  Franklin  had  beeii 
at  the  head  of  one,  entitled  a  fociety  for  political  in- 
formation.   They  had  cri'jiinated  the  conduct  of  the 


8o  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

governor  of  this  ftare,  and  of  the  governors  of  other 
flates,  yet  they  were  not  profecuted  or  difturbed. 
There  was,  if  he  mifliook  not,  once  a  fociety  in  this 
flate,  for  the  purpofe  of  oppofing  or  fubverting  the 
cxifting  conftitution.  They  alfo  were  unmolefted. 
If  the  Houfe  are  to  cenfure  the  Democratic  focieties, 
they  may  do  the  fame  by  the  Cincinnati.  It  is  out 
of  the  way  of  the  legiilature  to  attempt  checking  or 
reftraining  public  opinion.  If  the  felf-created  foci- 
eties aft  contrary  to  law,  they  are  unprotected,  and 
let  the  law  purfue  them.  That  a  man  is  a  member  of 
one  of  thefe  focieties,  will  not  proteft  him  from  an 
accufation  for  treafon,  if  the  charge  is  well  founded. 
If  the  charge  is  not  well  founded,  if  the  focieties,  in 
their  proceedings,  keep  within  the  verge  of  the  law, 
Mr.  Giles  would  be  glad  to  learn  what  was  to  be  the 
lequel  ?  If  the  Houfe  undertake  to  cenfure  particular 
claffes  of  men,  who  can  tell  where  they  will  ftop  ? 
Perhaps  it  may  be  advifable  to  commence  moral  phi- 
lofophers,  and  compofe  a  new  fyftem  of  ethics  for 
the  citizens  of  America.  In  that  cafe,  there  would 
be  many  other  fubjecls  for  cenfure,  as  well  as  the 
felf-created  focieties.  Land  jobbing,  for  example, 
has  been,  in  various  inftances,  brought  to  fuch  a 
pafs,  that  it  might  be  defined  fujindling  on  a  broad 
fcale.  Paper  money  alfo  would  be  a  fubjeft  of  very 
tolerable  fertility  for  the  cenfure  of  a  moralift.  Mr. 
Giles  proceeded  to  enumerate  other  particulars  on 
this  head,  and  again  infifted  on  the  fufficiency  of  the 
exifting  laws,  for  the  punifliment  of  every  exiding 
abufe.  He  obferved,  that  gentlemen  were  fent  to 
this  Houfe,  not  for  the  purpofe  of  paffing  indifcri- 
minate  votes  of  cenfure.  But  to  legiflate  only.  By 
adopting  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Fitzfimmon?,  the 
Houfe  would  only  produce  recrimination  on  the  part 
of  the  focieties,  and  raife  them  into  much  more  im- 
portance than  they  poflibly  could  have  acquired,  if 

they 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  81 ' 

tbey  had  not  been  diftinguiflied  by  a  vote  of  cenfare 
from  that  Houfe.  Gentlemen  were  interfering  with  a 
very  delicate  right,  and  they  would  be  much  wifer  to 
let  the  democratic  focieties  alone.  Did  the  Houfe 
i??iagine,  that  their  cenfure,  like  the  ivand  of  a  magi- 
cian^ would  lay  a /pel I  on  thefe  people?  It  would  be 
quite  the  contrary,  and  the  recrimination  of  the 
focieties,  would  develope  the  impropriety  of  having 
meddled  with  them  at  all.  One  thing  ought  never 
to  be  forgotten,  that  if  thefe  people  afted  wrong, 
the  law  was  open  to  punifli  them  ;  and  if  they  did 
not,  they  would  care  very  little  for  a  vote  of  cenfure 
from  that  Houfe.  Why  all  this  particular  deviation 
from  the  common  line  of  bufmefs  to  pafs  random 
votes  of  cenfure  ?  The  American  mind  was  too  en- 
lightened to  bear  the  interpofition  of  the  Houfe  to 
ailiit  either  in  their  contemplations  or  conclufions  on 
this  fubject.  Members  are  not  fent  here  to  deal  out 
applaufes,  or  cenfures,  in  this  way.  Mr.  Giles  re- 
jected all  attempts  at  a  reftraint  on  the  opinions  of 
private  perfcns.  As  to  the  focieties  therafelves,  he 
perfonally  had  nothing  to  Ao  with  them,  nor  was  he 
acquainted  with  any  of  the  perfons  concerned  in  their 
original  organization. 

Mr.  Lyman  hoped  that  the  member  from  Pennfyl- 
vania  would,  upon  refleftion,  withdraw  his  amend- 
ment. Mr.  Lyman  confidered  it  to  be  as  improper 
to  pafs  a  vote  of  cenfure,  as  it  would  be  to  pafs  a 
vote  of  approbation.  He  did  not  wifii  to  give 
printers  an  opportunity  of  publifliing  debates  that 
had  better  be  fupprefied.  Eefides,  where  v/ill  the 
bufmefs  of  cenforOiip  end  ?  It  would  be  much  better 
not  to  meddle  with  the  democratic  focieties  at  all. 
Some  of  them  were  perfectly  fenfible  that  they  had 
gone  too  far.  He  fliould  therefore  move  that  this 
committee  do  now  rife,  and  that  the  chairraaiu  lliould 
^■eport  the  addrefs  as  it  now  flood. 

G  Mr. 


8j  political  register. 

Mr.  Thatcher  hoped  that  his  colleague  would  not 
infill  on  taking  that  queftion  juft  now,  before  other 
gentlemen  had  an  opportunity  of  delivering  their 
fentiments. 

Mr.  Lyman  in  reply,  faid  that  gentlemen  were  at 
liberty,  in  difcuffing  bis  motion,  to  tell  their  minds 
as  to  the  felf-created  focieties. 

Mr.  Sedgwick  requefted  that  Mr.  Lyman  would 
take  this  motion  out  of  the  way.  Mr.  Lyman  with- 
drew it. 

Mr.  W.  Smith  then  rofe,  and  entered  largely  into 
tbe  fubject.  He  faid  that  if  the  committee  withheld 
an  exprelTion  of  their  fentiments  in  regard  to  the 
focieties  pointed  out  by  the  Prefident,  their  filence 
would  be  an  avowed  defertion  of  the  executive.  He 
had  no  fcruple  to  declare,  that  the  conduft  of  thefe 
people  had  tended  to  blow  up  the  infurre£lion.  Ad- 
verting to  Mr.  Giles,  he  thought  the  aflertion  of 
that  gentleman  too  broad,  when  he  fpoke  of  not 
meddling  with  the  opinions  of  other  than  political 
focieties.  He  confidered  the  dllTemination  of  im- 
proper fentiments  as  a  fuitable  objeft  for  the  public 
reprobation  of  that  Houfe.  Suppofe  an  agricultural 
fociety  were  to  eflablifh  itfelf,  and  under  that  title 
to  diffeminate  opinions  fubverfive  of  good  order,  the 
difference  of  a  name  fhonld  not  make  Mr.  Smith 
think  them  exempted  from  becoming  objects  of  juf- 
tice.  Would  any  man  fay  that  the  fole  objeft  of  felf- 
created  focieties,  has  been  the  publication  of  political 
doctrines  ?  TJoe  whole  of  their  proceedings  has  been  a 
chain  of  cenfures  on  the  condud:  of  goverment.  If  we 
do  not  fupport  the  Prefident,  the  filence  of  the  Houfe 
will  be  interpreted  into  an  implied  difapprobation  of 
of  that  part  of  his  fpeech.  He  will  be  left  in  a 
dilemma.  It  will  be  faid  that  he  has  committed  him- 
felf.  Mr.  Smith  declared  that  he  was  a  friend  to  the 
freedom  of  the  prefs  j  but  would  any  one  compare 

a  regula? 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  S3 

a  regular  town  meeting,  where  deliberations  were 
cool  and  unruffled,  to  thefe  focieties,  to  the  nofturnal 
meetings  of  individuals,  after  they  have  dined,  where 
they  Jhut  their  doors,  pafs  votes  in  fecret,  and  admit 
no  members  into  their  focieties,  but  thofe  of  their  own 
chufing  ?  Mr.  Smiib,  by  way  of  illuftration,  obferved, 
that  this  Houfe  had  never  done  much  bufmefs  after 
difiner.  In  objeftion  to  this  amendment  it  had  been 
ftated,  that  the  felf-created  focieties  would  acquire 
importance  from  a  vote  of  cenfure  palTed  on  them. 
They  were,  for  his  part,  welcome  to  the  whole  im- 
portance that  fuch  a  vote  could  give  them.  He 
complained  in  ftrong  terms,  of  the  calumnies  and 
flanders  which  they  had  propagated  againft  govern- 
ment. Every  gentleman  who  thought  that  thefe 
clubs  had  done  mifchief,  was  by  this  amendment 
called  upon  to  avow  his  opinion.  This  was  the 
whole.  Mr.  Smith  begged  the  Houfe  to  take  notice, 
and  he  repeated  his  words  once  or  twice,  that  he 
did  not  mean  to  go  into  the  conftitution  of  thefe 
focieties,  or  to  fay  that  they  were  illegal.  The  quef- 
tion  before  the  Houfe  was  not  whether  thefe  focieties 
were  illegal  or  not,  but  whether  they  have  been 
mifchievous  in  their  confequences. 

Mr.  M'Dowell  was  of  opinion,  that  the  term  of 
felf-created  focieties  was  too  indefinite.  He  profelTed 
the  higheft  refpeft  for  the  character  of  the  Prefident ; 
but  he  did  not  think  that  the  propofed  vote  of  cen- 
fure would  be  any  eligible  proof  of  it.  The  Houfe 
of  Reprefeniaiives  were  affembled,  not  to  volunteer 
in  paffing  votes  of  reprobation  on  focieties,  or  indi- 
viduals, but  to  Icgiflate.  He  wifhed  that  gentlemen, 
inftead  of  lofmg  their  time  on  fuch  frivolous  and  in- 
flammatory amendments,  (this  was  the  exaft  mean- 
ing, though  perhaps  not  the  exact  expreflion  of 
the  member),  would  proceed  to  the  proper  bufinefs 
of  the  Houfe.  The  gentleman  from  South-Carolina 
feemed  to  be  well  acquainted  with  democratic  focie- 
G  2  ties. 


94  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

ties.  It  was  very  true  that  they  had  publiflied  refo- 
lutions  reprobating  the  a[fumption  bufinefs,  and  the 
fyftem  of  funding  ;  but  the  reft  of  the  people,  as  well 
as  democratic  focieties,  had  very  generally,  cenfured 
the  aflumption,  and  the  funding  tranf.iftions.  He 
thought  that  forae  laws  had  been  palTed  which  an- 
fwered  no  good  purpofe,  nor  indeed  any  purpofe, 
but  that  of  irritating  the  public.  The  prefent  amend- 
ment he  confidered  as  dedruflive,  not  only  to  the 
intercourfe  of  domeftic  focictv,  but  that  it  involved 
a  profpeft  of  throwing  reftraint  upon  the  condu^l  of 
gentlemen  in  the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives.  With 
the  gentleman  from  Virginia,  (Mr.  Giles),  he  was 
fatisfied,  that  the  amendment,  if  adopted  would  have 
no  weight  whatever  with  the  citizens  of  the  L^nited 
States ;  as  they  were  too  enlightened  to  accept  of 
opinions  from  their  reprefentatives,  Mr.  M'Dowell, 
in  different  pans  of  his  fpeech,  fpoke  of  the  focieties 
in  general,  as  much  Jefs  offenfive  than  they  were 
fuppofed,  if  indeed  they  were  not  entirely  free  from 
blame. 

Mr.  Tracey  rofe  next.  He  had  imagined  that  no 
man  would  have  the  hardihood  to  come  forward  in 
that  Houfe,  and  vindicate  thefe  focieties.  He  quo- 
ted from  the  remarks  of  Mr.  M'Dowell,  a  paffage 
which  fome  accident  had  prevented  the  leporter  of 
this  flvetch  from  hearing.  The  words  were  "  your 
wanton  laws,  begotten  in  darknefs,  firil  raifed  infur- 
reftion.'*  There  were  likewife  forae  other  words, 
about  the  enormous  expence  of  millions  for  the  wef- 
tern  expedition,  which,  as  they  were  not  heard  dif- 
linftly,  cannot  be  publiflied  exafily.  Mr.  Tracey,  after 
reading  thefe  exprelTions  from  a  memorandum,  which 
he  held  in  his  hand,  declared  his  furprife,  that  a  gentle- 
man, whom  he  knew  to  poffefs  the  candour  and  good 
fenfe  of  the  member  from  North-Carolina,  could 
fuffer  fuch  language  to  efcape  him.  He  was  certain 
that  the  gentleman,  if  he  had  not  been  fomewhat  in 

a  hurry, 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  8j 

a  iiurry,  never  would  have  permitted  thefe  words  to 

pafs  from  his  lips.     Quitting  this  topic,  Mr.  Tracey 

iaid  that  he  would,  for  his  own  part,  be  difpofed  to 

let  thefe  focieties  alone,  and  leave  them  to  the  chaf- 

tifement  of  their  own  confciences.     If  they  were  to  fay 

'  gentlemen,  you  as  tyrants  make  laws,  and  flaves 

'  obey  them,*'-"  I  would  anfwer,'*  faid  Mr.  Tracey, 

'  It  is  very  rafli.     Think  again,  before  you  fay  this 

'  again.       We    belisve    that,    from    inadvertency, 

'  fome  things  have  efcaped  from  democratic  focieties, 

'  which  they  had  not  well  weighed,  and  which  had 

*  a  bad  effect  on  weak  and  ignorant  people,  in  the 
'  weftern  counties  of  Pennfylvania.  You  ha\'e  feen 
'  the  bad  effcfts  of  your  temerity.  Take  care  before 
'  you  publifli  any  fuch  thing  again."' — Mr.  Tracey 

faid,  "  This  is  all  the  length  which  we  mean  to  go, 
'  and  can  any  body  objeft  to  this  ?  The  democratic 
'  focieties  form  but  a  very  fmall  proportion  of  the 
'  people  of  America.  Where  is  the  harm  of  faying 
'that  one  hundredth,  or,  I  believe  I  might  fay,  not 

*  more  than  one  thoufandth  part  of  the  citizens  of 
'  the  United  Stares  have  been  miftaken,  and  that 

they  have  beeri  imprudent  in  printing  certain  indif- 
creet  refblutions  ?"  Mr.  Tracey  declared,  that  if 
the  Prefident  had  not  fpoke  of  the  matter,  he  fliould 
have  been  willing  to  let  it  alone,  becaufe,  whenever 
a  fubjeft  of  that  kind  was  touched,  there  were  certain 
gentlemen  in  that  Houfe,  who  fhook  their  backs,  like 
a  fore  hacked  borfe,  and  cried  out  the  Liberties  of 
THE  People  !  Mr.  Tracey  wifhed  only  that  the 
Houfe,  if  their  opinion  of  thefe  focieties  correfponded 
with  that  of  the  Prefident,  fhould  declare  that  thev 
had  fuch  an  opinion.  This  was  quite  different  front 
attempting  to  legiflate  on  the  fubje£l:.  Has  not  the 
legiflature  done  fo  before  ?  Is  there  any  impropriety 
in  paying  this  mark  of  refpeft  to  a  man  to  whom  all 
Araefica  hath  fuch  indelible  obligations  ?  He  thought 

G  3  tbac 


$6  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

that  this  declaration  from  the  Houfe  of  Reprefenta- 
tives  would  tend  to  difcourage  democratic  focieties, 
by  uniting  all  men  of  fenfe  againfl:  them.  Mr.  Tracey 
faid,  that  perhaps  the  member  who  fpoke  laft,  might 
be  connefted  with  fome  of  thefe  focieties,  of  which 
he  entertained  fo  favourable  an  impreffion. 

M.  M'Dowell  faid  that  he  had  wanted  the  Houfe 
to  avoid  quarrels,  and  to  mind  their  proper  bufmefs 
of  legiflaiion.  He  declared  that  he  was  not  a  mem- 
ber of  any  fuch  fociety.  He  did  not  know  that  he  had 
ever  been  in  the  company  of  any  perfon  who  was  a 
member  of  any  of  them.  He  was  even,  he  declared 
upon  his  honor,  ignorant  whether  there  ever  were 
or  ever  had  been,  any  fuch  focieties  in  North  Caro- 
lina. He  adverted  to  the  fimile  of  the  fore-backed 
horfe,  and  faid,  that  he  believed  his  back  to  have 
been  rubbed  harder  in  the  lafl  war  than  that  of  the 
gentleman.  He  imagined  that  thefe  focieties  had 
done  both  good  and  harm,  and  again  declared,  that 
he  would  not  confent  to  a  vote  of  indifcriminate  repro- 
bation. 

Mr.  Dayton  was  heartily  for  the  amendment.  He 
obferved  that  he  wanted  no  evidence  to  fatisfy  him, 
as  to  the  gentleman  not  being  a  member  of  any  of 
thefe  focieties.  If  he  had  been  connefted  with  them, 
he  would  have  known  their  principles  better  than  he 
feems  to  do.  Mr.  Dayton  faid  that  many  perfons  in 
New  Jerfey,  who  had  been  the  mod  violent  againft 
the  excifc  law,  were  equally  fo  againft  the  infurgents; 
and  though  their  opinion  of  the  law  iifelf  was  un- 
altered, which  they  made  no  fcruple  of  openly  de- 
claring, yet  they  did  not,  on  that  account  hefitate 
about  marching  againft  the  infurgents.  They  did 
not  fuppofe  that  one  obnoxious  ftatute  was  any  rea- 
fon  for  overturning  the  American  Conftituiion.  The 
murmurs  againft  the  cxcife  law  in  New-Jerfey,  had 
been  converted  into  univerfal  filence,  becaufe  no  man 

would 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  §7 

Vvould  venture  to  exprefs  his  difcontent,  at  the  hazard 
of  being  fufpefted  as  a  friend  to  the  infurgents.  That 
the  democratic  fbcieties  had  produced  the  mofl  mif- 
chievous  eifefts  in  the  weftern  counties  there  could 
be  no  queftion.  Letters  had  been  received  from 
officers  in  the  army,  who  were  of  the  mofl;  refpe^la- 
ble  characters,  and  who,  from  authentic  information^ 
affirmed  the  faft.  It  had  been  fl:ated  that  thefe  peo- 
ple would  recriminate  upon  the  Houfe,  and  it  had 
even  been  hinted  that  their  recrimation  might  affe6l 
the  Prefident.  "  That  man,"  faid  Mr.  Dayton, 
*'  is  above  their  cenfure.*'  He  believed  that  if  their 
cenfures  had  any  eifeft  at  all  it  would  be  to  do  the 
Prefident  honour. 

Mr.  Nicholas. — "  When  we  fee  an  attempt  made 
in  this  Houfe  to  reprobate  whole  focieties  (o  for- 
wardly,  on  account  of  the  condu6i:  of  individuals,  it 
may  truly  be  fufpe6led  that  fome  of  the  members  of 
this  Houfe  h:i-vc  fore  backs.  The  Prefident  has  been 
apprifed  of  the  abfurdity  of  making  this  a  legiflative 
bufinefs.'*  Here  Mr.  Nicholas  read  a  paifage  from 
the  Prefident's  fpeech,  to  fliew,  that  the  notice  taken 
of  felf-created  focieties,  was  not  intended  for  a  topic 
of  difcuffion  in  that  Houfe.  The  paffage  was  ex- 
prefly  addrefl'ed  to  every  defcripiion  of  citizens. 
"  And  when  in  the  calm  moments  of  reflexion,  they 
fliall  have  retraced  the  origin  and  progrefs  of  the 
infurreftion,  let  them  determine,  whether  it  has 
been  fomented  by  combinations  of  men,  who,  care- 
lefs  of  confequences,"  et  cetera.  (Vide  the  fpef;ch 
itfelf,  page  53.)  Was  this  an  addrefs  to  the  two 
Houfes  ?  Did  this  paifage  iliew  that  the  Prefident 
wanted  them  to  intermeddle  ?  Were  they  called  upon 
to  give  an  opinion  ?  Where  could  be  the  pretence 
for  any  thing  of  this  fort  ?  The  Houfe  have  made 
afts.  The  Democratic  focieties  reprobate  them,  and 
then  the  Houfe  reprobate  the  Democratic  focieties* 

G  4  WheiJ 


88  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

When  you  firfl  cut  a  man's  throat,  and  thereafter 
call  him  a  rafcal,  do  you  fuppofe  that  your  accufation 
will  affeft  the  man's  character?  The  Houfe,  by 
pafling  this  vote  of  cenfure,  would  make  themfelves 
a  party,  and  lofe  a  title  to  unfufpefted  confidence. 
Mr.  Nicholas  declared,  that  for  his  own  part,  he 
never  had  any  concern  with  thefe  focieiies,  nor  ever 
to  his  knowledge,  had  fpent  an  hour  with  anyperfon 
who  was  a  member  of  them.  He  rather,  if  any 
thing,  defpifed  them.  He  always  had  thought  them 
the  very  word  advocates  for  the  caufe  which  they 
efpoufed  ;  but  he  had  come  two  hundred  miles  to 
Jegiflate,  and  not  to  reprobate  private  focicties.  He 
ivas  not  paid  by  bis  conjiituents  for  doing  bufinefs  of 
that  fort.  The  Prefidcnt  knew  the  bufinefs  of  the 
Houfe  better  than  to  call  for  any  fuch  votes  of  cen- 
fure. It  was  wrong  to  condemn  focieties  for  parti- 
cular afts.  ''  That  there  never  fhould  be  a  demo- 
cratical  fociety  in  America,"  faid  Mr.  Nicholas,  "  I 
would  give  my  moft  hearty  confent ;  but  I  cannot 
agree  to  perfecution  for  the  fake  of  opinions.'* 
With  refpe^t  either  to  the  propriety  or  the  pov/er 
of  fupprefiing  them,  Mr.  Nicholas  was  in  both  cafes 
equally  of  opinion  that  it  was  much  better  to  let 
them  alone.  They  mufl:  fland  or  fall  by  the  general 
fentiments  of  the  people  of  America.  Is  it  pofilble 
that  thefe  focieties  can  exift,  for  any  length  of  time, 
when  they  are  of  no  real  ufe  to  the  country  ?  No, 
But  this  amendment  will  make  the  people  at  large 
imagine  that  they  are  of  confequence. 

Mr.  Dayton  faid  that  thefe  focieties  had  produced 
the  weftern  infurre61ion,  and  therefore  the  commit- 
tee were  as  juft  in  inilituting  an  inquiry  in  this  cafe, 
as  formerly,  regarding  the  failure  of  Gen.  St.  Clair. 

Mr.  Nicholas  obje61cd  to  this  inference.  There 
was  a  general  wifli  that  the  committee  would  rife,  as 
if  was  now  a  quarter  pafi;  three  o'clock.     They  rofe 

accordingly. 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  89 

accordingly.     The  chairman  reported  progrefs,  and 
alked  leave  to  fit  again.     Adjourned. 

In  this  long  debate,  it  would  have  been  impoflible 
to  inferr  the  whole  remarks  of  the  members  at  full 
length,  but  wherever  it  was  neceffary  to  abridge, 
as  much  attention  as  poffible  has  been  given  to  con- 
vey the  exaft  ideas  and  fentiments  of  each  individual 
fpeakcr.  It  is  unneceffary  to  remind  gentlemen  that 
part  of  every  debate  is  omitted  from  an  impoffibility 
of  hearing  it.  Thofe  who  have  attempted  a  talk  of 
this  nature,  beft  know  the  numerous  difficulties  to 
which  it  is  incident. 


TUESDAY,  the  25th  of  November,  1794. 

The  following  written  meflage  was  received  from 
the  Prefident  by  the  Senate. 

United  States,  November  25,  1794 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate,  and  of 

the  House  of  Representatives, 

*'  I  LAY  before  you  a  ftatement  of  the  troops 
*'  in  the  fervice  of  the  United  States,  which  has 
"  been  fubmitted  to  me  by  the  Secretary  of  War. 
*'  It  will  reft  with  Congrefs  to  confider  and  deter- 
"  mine  whether  further  inducements  ihall  be  held 
"  out  for  entering  into  the  military  fervice  of  the 
"  United  States,  in  order  to  complete  the  eftablifh- 
"  ment  authorized  by  law. 

«  GO  :  WASHINGTON." 

The  meflage  and  papers  were  read,  and  ordered 
to  lie  for  confidcration.  The  reading  of  the  papers 
from  the  Prefident  was  refuraed,  and  after  fome 
progrefs,  the  Senate  adjourned  to  eleven  o'clock 
to-morrow  forenoon. 

In 


*)d  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

In  the  Houfe  of  Reprcfentatives,  another  menl- 
ber,  to  wit ;  James  Giliefpie,  from  North-Carolina, 
appeared  and  took  his  feat. 

Mr.  Murray,  from  the  committee  appointed,  pre- 
fented,  according  to  order,  a  bill  to  authorize  the 
Prefident  to  call  out  and  ftation  a  corps  of  militia  in 
the  four  weflern  counties  of  Pennfylvania,  for  a 
limited  time,  which  was  received,  read  a  firft  and 
fccond  time,  and  ordered  to  be  committed  to  a  com* 
mittee  of  the  whole  Houfe,  to-morrow. 

Mr.  W.  Smith  next  moved  that,  agrec'able  to  the 
order  of  the  day,  the  Houfe  Ihould  take  up  the  bill 
for  granting  the  privilege  of  franking,  and  alfo  to 
provide  compenfation  to  Mr.  James  White,  dele- 
gated to  Congrefs  from  the  territory  of  the  United 
States,  South-wefl:  of  the  river  Ohio.  The  Houfe 
went  into  a  committee,  Mr.  Cobb  in  the  chair. 

When  the  claufe  was  read,  which  provides  for  a 
compenfation  to  this  gentleman,  Mr.  Swift  objected 
to  it.  Congrefs  already  pay  a  fum  for  the  govern- 
ment of  that  country,  under  the  idea  of  its  being  a 
colony.  Then  why  fliould  the  United  States  pay 
this  perfon,  delegate,  or  call  him  what  you  will, 
for  his  attendance  ?  The  prefence  of  this  agent  can 
anfvv'er  no  purpofe  to  that  territory  or  to  the  United 
States.  It  is  a  mere  farce  to  have  fuch  a  perfon. 
//  is  fotally  unncce[fary  that  fuch  a  chara6ler  as  this 
■perfon  JJjould  exiji.  An  attorney  or  agent  could 
give  the  requifite  information  from  that  territory  to 
Congrefs,  as  well  as  this  perfon  j  and  the  people  of 
that  country  could  receive  any  information  which 
they  might  want,  from  an  agent  or  attorney,  as 
well  as  from  this  perfon.  The  beft  way  for  the 
Houfe  of  Reprcfentatives  to  get  rid  of  this  perfon 
would  be  to  pay  him  nothing  for  his  attendance,  and 
then,  Mr.  Swift  affured  the  committee,  that  this 
perfon  would  very  foon  difconiinue  his  appearance 

there. 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  91 

tlicre.  Mr.  Swift  doubted  the  legality  of  paying 
any  perfon,  except  real  members.  _He  moved  to 
expunge  the  whole  claufe  for  the  compenfation  to 
this  perfon. 

Mr.  W.  Smith  expreffed  himfelf  extremely  both 
furprifed  and  hurt  by  thefe  obfervations.  The  bill 
had  been  twice  read  in  the  Houfe,  and,  as  he 
thought,  had  been  agreed  to  ;  and  an  oppofition  in 
the  prefent  flage  was  quite  unexpefted.  It  was  true 
that  the  federal  government  paid  a  fum  annually  for 
the  civil  eftablifliment  of  that  territory,  but  the  gen- 
tleman from  Conne^licut  fliould  remember  that  thefe 
people  paid  an  excife  to  the  federal  union.  As  to 
the  illegality  of  paying  this  gentleman  for  his  atten- 
dance, Mr.  W.  Smith  entirely  fcouted  that  idea. 
"  We  pay  the  clerk  of  the  Houfe ;  he  is  not  a 
*'  member.  We  pay  the  ferjeant  at  arms;  he  is 
*'  not  a  member.  We  are  in  fafl  entitled  to  give 
"  what  payment  we  think  fit  to  any  perfon  who  at- 
*'  tends  here." 

The  qucflion  was  then  put,  Shall  the  claufe  for 
the  compenfation  of  James  White,  be  expunged 
fronn  this  bill  ?  The  queftion  was  negatived  almofl: 
iinanimoufly . 

The  Speaker  then  fuggefted  to  the  chairman  of 
the  committee  an  amendment  in  the  wording  of  the 
claufe.  This  was  immediately  adopted  ;  the  com- 
mittee rofe ;  and  the  chairman  reported  the  bill 
with  this  amendment.  The  bill  was  then  ordered 
to  be  engroffed  for  a  third  reading  to-morrow. 
Thus  Mr.  White,  as  to  compenfation,  and  franking 
of  letters,  is  to  be  placed  on  a  level  with  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Houfe. 

A  written  melTage  was  received  from  the  Prefi- 
dent,  in  the  fame  terms  as  that  to  the  Senate,  with 
a  copy  of  a  flatement  from  the  Secretary  of  War  of 
the  troops  now  in  the  fervice  of  the  United  States. 

Mr. 


p2  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

Mr.  Giles  then  called  up  a  motion,  that  had  been 
laid  on  the  table,  fome  days  ago.  That  the  Prefident 
be  requefted  to  direft  the  proper  officer  to  ftate  to 
this  Hoiife,  the  difficulties  and  inconveniences  which 
have  occurred  in  the  execution  of  the  aft,  intituled 
*'  An  A£i:  more  effifctually  to  provide  for  the  na- 
*'  tional  defence,  by  eftablifliing  an  uniform  militia 
*'  throughout  the  United  States."  The  refolution 
was  agreed  to,  and  Mr.  Moore  and  Mr.  Gordon 
■were  appointed  a  committee  to  wait  on  the  Prefident, 
and  inform  him  of  it. 

The  Houfe  according  to  the  order  of  the  day, 
went  again  into  a  committee  on  the  fpeech  of  the 
Prefident,  and  the  amendment  of  Mr.  FitzfimonSj 
Mr.  Cobb  in  the  chair. 

Mr.  Murray  faid,  that  he  did  not  altogether  like 
the  precife  wording  of  the  amendment  now  before 
the  Houfe  ;  he  had  hoped  that  fome  modification  of 
it  would  have  been  prepared  by  foine  of  the  friends 
to  its  general  objeft :  but  as  none  was  offered,  and 
there  was  a  call  for  the  queftion,  he  would  vote  for 
it,  rather  than  againft  it.  He  faid,  that  he  had  not 
been  perfonally  attacked  by  any  of  the  tribunals  iri 
qUeilion,  and  no  farther  injured  by  their  machina- 
tions, than  as  he  was  a  citizen  of  a  free  republic, 
in  wliofe  profperity  he  felt  the  clofeft  poffible  union, 
and  in  whofe  calamities  he  of  courfe  felt  the  com- 
pleteft  fympathy.  Among  the  various  fourccs  of 
the  late  calamity,  the  Prefident  had  traced  and  de- 
fignated  certain  felf-created  focieties,  who  had  arro- 
gated the  management  of  public  opinions  and  affairs, 
and  whom  he  had  declared  to  have  been  in  his  opi- 
nion inftrumental  in  fomenting  the  late  infurreftion. 
Mr.  Murray  confeiTcd  that  he  had  feared  lafl  winter, 
left  the  diforganizing  fpirit,  which  had  gone  abroad 
in  the  fliape  of  refolutions  from  thefe  focieties,  would 
have  produced  the  cffcft  afcribed  to  them  by  the 

Prefident, 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  93 

Prefident,  nor  did  he  think  that  it  required  much 
forefight  to  have  anticipated  fuch  a  confequence. 
The  conduft  of  the  democratic  clubs,  or  thofe  of 
them  with  which  he  had  moft  acquaintance,  appear- 
ed to  him  to  have  been  inftrumental  to  an  event 
which  had  threatened  defl:rU(9:ion  to  the  legitimate 
{government  of  the  citizens  of  the  United  States.  If 
we  believe  this  to  have  been  the  cafe,  Mr.  Murray 
knew  no  motive,  duty  or  policy,  which  ought  to 
reftrain  us  at  this  period  from  faying  that  we  be- 
lieved and  lamented  it.  If  any  one  of  the  fources 
of  this  evil  be  found  in  an  abufe  of  the  prefs,  we 
may  tell  our  conftituents  what  we  believe  and  lament. 
But  if  the  founrain  of  this  evil  flows  from  the  root 
of  the  tree  of  knowledge  itfelf,  it  is  our  duty  to 
point  out  its  waters,  which  too  freely  drank  have 
produced  diftraclion  and  infurrefiion.  Our  declara- 
tions will  rather  hold  out  paternal  caution  to  the 
thoughtlefs,  than  infliiSl  legal  penalties  upon  their 
follies.  It  will  prefent  to  our  fellow  citizens  a  me- 
morable example  of  one  fource  of  error  and  political 
misfortune,  by  jQievving  them  the  danger,  which  has 
already  cod  above  twelve  hundred  thoufand  dollars;  a 
danger  which  is,  in  a  degree  declared  to  have  arifen 
from  a  part  of  the  community  following  thefe  mere 
meteors  of  felf-created  focieries,  and  unrefponfible 
bodies  of  men,  and  of  forfaking  a  candid  obfervance 
of  their  own  laws  ;  and  it  will  enforce  a  great  re- 
publican truth,  that  in  cafes  wherein,  from  the  dif- 
ficulty of  definition,  and  from  the  very  genius  of 
freedom,  a  law  would  be  dangerous,  public  virtue, 
in  her  enjoyment  of  a  right,  ought  herfelf  to  pre- 
fcribe  th  '  bounds  which  feparate  the  ufe  from  the 
abufe.  He  could  not  fee  any  evil  that  was  to  refult 
from  an  expreffion  of  the  opinion  of  the  Houfe,  by 
the  propofed  amendment.  It  had  not  the  quality  of 
a  law,  for  if  a  law  were  propofed  for  the  abolition 

of 


^  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

of  thefe  focieties,  he  would  be  one  of  the  moft  zea- 
lous in  oppofing  it.  This  amendment  to  the  addrefs 
would  operate  as  an  advice.  It  curtails  not  the  high 
and  ineftimable  right  of  a  free  prefs,  which  Mr. 
Murray  held  to  be  the  luminary  of  the  public  mind. 
It  would  tend  to  excite  a  judicious  and  falutary  en- 
quiry among  many,  refpecling  the  juft  and  true  li- 
mits within  which  a  virtuous  and  enlightened  well- 
wiflier  to  our  country  would  think  it  becoming  and 
{ife  to  exercife  this  high  right,  and  coming  from 
the  confidential  fervants  of  a  free  conftituent  body, 
who  rather  affe<ftionately  advife  againfl  an  abufe 
than  fharply  attempt  to  controul  it  by  the  rigour  of 
law,  it  would  not  be  deemed,  even  by  the  moft  jea- 
lous, as  a  meafure  indulged  in  merely  by  the  arro- 
gance of  our  ftiort  lived  power.  Of  the  inutility, 
nay,  danger  of  fuch  focieties  in  this  country,  he  had 
little  doubt ;  the  fcene  of  their  birth  place  was  well 
adapted  to  the  difplay,  and  to  the  wholefome  difplay 
of  their  powers.  In  that  country  abroad,  which  is 
at  prefent  the  fcene  of  the  moft  fplendid  ftruggle  for 
liberty,  which,  our  own  excepted,  the  world  ever 
faw,  in  France,  where  a  defpotifm  impregnable 
to  public  opinion  had  reigned,  where  no  channel 
opened  a  fympathy  by  reprefeniation,  with  the  great 
body  of  the  nation,  thofe  focieties  were  admirably 
adapted  to  break  down  and  fubvert  the  old  bulwark 
of  habitual  authority.  But  contraft  the  fcene  in 
which  their  utility  was  firft  manifefted  with  that 
where  their  mode  of  action  has  been  fuppofed  by  fo 
many  pcrfons  to  have  produced  evil,  and  it  will  be 
feen  whether  they  were  called  for  by  necelTity,  or 
are  tolerable  from  experience.  Look  at  the  immenfe 
body  of  public  functionaries,  who  in  this  country 
are  elcfled  immediately  by  the  people,  or  by  their 
cleftors,  in  a  conftiiutional  mode,  and  fay,  whether 
ihcy  are  not  adequate  as  fun£lionaries  to  the  public 

purpofcs 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  pj 

purpcfes  of  the  country.  Including  every  defcrip- 
tion  of  legiflators,  councils,  governors,  courts,  ju- 
rors, and  iherifFs,  there  are  above  twelve  thoufand. 
Of  thefe  more  than  eleven  hundred  are  aftual  legif- 
lators, befides  the  hundred  in  this  committee  and 
thofe  above  ftairs.  Thefe  all  aft  in  the  dates,  coun- 
ties, townfhips,  and  hundreds,  in  feparate  but  rela- 
tive circles,  fo  as  to  preclude  a  partial  attention  to 
any  one  fcene  to  the  exclufion  of  another.  The 
whole  country  is  full  of  \vell  conftituied  organs  of 
the  People's  will.  Many  of  thefe  legiflators  are 
in  feffion  twice  a  year,  and  all  of  them  annually.  In 
fur \  eying  this  beautifully  arrayed  corps  of  vigilance 
and  public  good,  we  might  be  confufed  by  their 
immenfe  number,  were  they  not  fo  admirably  dif- 
perfed  over  the  continent,  and  did  they  not  move 
under  the  guidance  of  the  laws,  with  the  harmony 
of  the  fpheres.  It  would  not  be  eafy  to  organize 
the  nation  into  a  more  multifarious  {hape.  The 
cafe  meationed  by  Mr.  Dayton  yefterday,  appeared 
to  be  flrong.  He  faid  that  we  had  enquired  into 
the  defeat  of  St.  Clair's  army,  and  fo  we  might  into 
the  caufes  of  the  infurreftion.  It  was  anfwered,  if 
he  recollecled  rightly,  that  the  argument  would  not 
apply,  becaufe  that  was  an  enquiry  into  the  effcft 
of  fads,  this  of  opinions.  So  does  a  trial  of  an  in- 
diftment  on  a  libel,  fo  does  an  aftion  for  words. 
There  may  be  a  criminal  ufe  of  the  right  of  fpeaking 
and  of  writing,  and  though  no  law  can  reach  the 
evil,  yet  there  may  be  great  criminality.  The  pub- 
lic good,  and  the  rights  of  others,  mud  afford,  eve- 
ry man  of  virtue  and  reflexion  the  fcale  by  which 
he  is  to  meafure  the  exercife  of  thefe  invaluable  dif- 
tinftions  of  a  freeman.  He  can  have  no  right  to 
do  wrong,  and  to  bring  calamity  on  his  country. 
That  the  law  has  ventured  to  prefcribe  a  remedy 
againft  the  violences  of  opinions  when  the  rights  and 
4  happinefs 


95  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

happinefs  of  an  individual  are  aiFefted,  and  none, 
when  the  individuals  aggregately,  as  a  nation  are 
injured,  is  perhaps,  to  be  attributed  to  the  extreme 
difficulty  of  definition,  on  fo  tender  a  fubjeft,  and 
the  difference  between  the  paffions  which  fupport 
the  gratification  of  felf-love,  and  thofe  which  aftuate 
ns  in  eftimating  the  rights  of  the  colle^live  nation. 
In  the  firfl  cafe,  an  injury  offered  to  an  individual 
from  the  prefs,  is  followed  by  all  the  paffions  that 
fwarm  around  the  llandard  of  felf-love,  and  here 
we  fre  that  the  world  has  readily  admitted  the  prac- 
ticability of  drawing  the  diflinftion  between  ufe  and 
abufe.  But  as  the  connexion  between  fclf,  and  the 
rights  and  happinefs  of  the  nation,  is  nor  palpable 
to  all  minds,  it  is  not  as  obvious,  as  it  is  natural, 
that  an  injury  done  to  the  nation  by  an  abufe  of  free 
fpeaking  or  writing  is  as  great  an  abufe  of  the  right, 
as  if  done  to  an  individual.  The  Houfe  have  the 
right  to  enquire  into  the  caufe  of  the  late  infurrec- 
tion,  and  if  they  find  that  caufe  in  the  midfl  of  our 
liberties,  fuch  a  fanftuary  is  not  to  fcreen  it  from 
remark.  To  point  it  out  to  a  people  fo  enlightened 
will  be  to  prevent  it  in  future.  Having  found  the 
conduft  of  certain  felf-created  focieties  among  the 
caufes,  if  we  agree  in  opinion  with  the  Prefident, 
the  Houfe  fpeaks  its  opinion  of  the  truth,  and  does 
its  duty  in  fo  declaring.  This  declaration  goes  to 
the  condituent  body  through  the  executive,  and 
while  it  gratifies  their  enquiries  in  a  point  of  fo  much 
folicitude,  it  ere6ls  a  warning  beacon.  It  fliews  to 
them  the  ftormy  breakers  which  lately  threatened 
the  public  peace  with  fliipwreck,  and  invites  them 
to  adhere  to  pilots  of  their  own  chufing,  and 
to  charts  with  which  they  are  acquainted.  In 
the  rage  for  innovation,  which  is  perhaps  the  natu- 
ral infirmity  of  free  governments,  and  particularly 
of  a  people  furrounded  with  fuch  a  choice  of  blef- 
I  fings. 


POLITICAL   REGISTER.  97 

fings,  while  we  durfl:  not,  wifh  nor,  to  fliackle  the 
greiit  rights  of  free  men,  as  the  confidential  fervants 
of  the  people,  it  is  our  duty  to  prefent  to  their  view 
a  great  indance,  in  which  the  exercife  of  a  right  has 
been  puflied  to  a  fatal  excefs.  To  endeavour  to  en- 
force, by  a  calamitous  example,  upon  the  public 
mind  that,  in  a  free  republic,  in  cafes  where  the 
delicacy  of  liberty  will  not  endure  a  law,  public  vir- 
tue by  her  wholefome  indulgence  of  a  right,  ought 
herfelf  to  prefcribe  the  bounds  of  its  ufe  from  its 
abufe.  We  mean  to  do  no  more.  Mr.  Murray 
would  not  do  more.  He  had  no  hefiration  in  decla- 
ring his  opinion  of  fuch  focieties.  He  knew  of  no 
good  which  they  had  done,  and  he  believed  'that 
they  had  done  much  and  great  mifchief.  They 
afted  in  the  dark,  and  exercifed  a  dreadful  inquifico- 
rial  character,  without  the  reftraints  that  conilituted 
and  refponfible  bodies  felt.  They  had,  in  the  opi- 
nion of  Mr.  Murray,  been,  in  a  great  degree,  one 
of  the  caufes  of  the  late  infurre6tion,  by  the  difFuficn 
of  opinions  and  affertions,  which  had  roufed  into 
fedition  the  rude  and  unenliglrtened  people  in  the 
four  weftcrn  counties  of  this  ftate.  They  refembled 
the  invifibles,  thofe  tribunals  which,  in  the  fifteenth 
century,  executed  their  vengeance  in  the  (liape  and 
name  of  punifliments  on  thofe  whom  they  hated. 
But  though  the  focieties  have  not  murdered,  they 
have  converted  that  inftrument  of  modern  political 
falvation,  the  prefs,  into  an  engine  of  (late  torture, 
and  though  they  have  not  poifoned,  they  have  put 
this  government  on  the  rack  ;  and  nothing  but  the 
virtue  of  citizens  in  general,  and  of  our  gallant 
countrymen  in  the  weft,  in  particular,  have  refgued 
the  government  from  an  untimely  end.  For  this  it 
would  be  wrong  to  have  any  penalties  inflicted,  but 
though  the  cord  of  the  law  cannot  reach  their  doc- 
trines, their  condu<5l,  when  reprehtufible,  may  and 

H  ougbt 


98  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

cught  to  be  held  up  and  gibbeted,  as  a  fpeftacle. 
In  old  corrupted  monarchies,  thefe  forts  of  tribunals 
may  ferve  a  revokuionary  caufe  to  effeft.  They 
force  that  reform,  which  the  flifipe  and  firm  texture 
of  difpofuion  will  never  voluntarily  and  eafily  admit. 
But  they  can  no  where  be  confidered,  as  any  thing 
more  than  the  fubftirutes  of  a  conditutional  repre- 
fenration  of  THE  people.  In  a  reprefentative  go- 
vernment, like  the  United  States  of  America,  where 
,  befides  the  flares,  thefe  great  pillars  of  the  whole, 
an  hundred  and  thirty  odd  doors  admit  the  mofl:  free 
circulation  of  public  opinion,  agreeably  to  a  confti- 
tution  willed  by  the  people*,  where  there  are  fifteen 
flare  legiflaturcs,  in  which  annually,  at  leafl,  eleven 
hundred  Reprtftntaiives  watch  over  the  depofitory 
of  freedom  and  naiicjual  happinefs ;  and  where  above 
all,  an  enlightened  public,  at  a  diftance  from  fac- 
tioufnefs,  are  the  beft  pofTible  judges  of  men,  and 
adequate  judges  of  meafures,  fuch  tribunals  appear 
unnecefTary  and  obtrufive  guardians,  and  being  un- 
rcfponfible,  and  unele(51cd,  are  dangerous  to  the 
peace  and  good  underftanding  of  the  country.  If 
the  Prefident  had  not  thought  fome  of  the  focieties 
inflruraental  to  the  late  calamity,  they  would  not 
have  attrafled  his  notice,  nor  that  of  the  Houfe. 
Ir  is  becaufe  they  are  believed  to  have  affifled  and 
fomented  the  infurredion,  that  our  conffituents 
ought  to  be  warned  againrt"  them  ;  and  that  another 
neceffity  for  exerting  their  patriotiftu  may  be  faved 
to  thofe  brave  men,  vho  are  at  prefent  encounter- 
ing every  difhcuhy  in  the  Weft.  Thefe  focieties 
are  not  attended  to  by  the  law,  bec;;ufe,  however 
offending  fome  of  their  proceedings  and  docfrines 
may  have  been,  yet  the  rights  of  the  prefs  ought 

*  Mr.  Murray,  by  "  an  hundred  and  thirty  odd  doors," 
means,  the  members  of  Congiefv. 

not 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  99 

not  to  be  freely  handled.  The  probe  that  would 
reach  the  bottom  of  the  fore,  might  give  a  fpafm  or 
a  callous  to  the  fined  nerve  which  enlivens  the  or- 
gans of  freedom.  We  may  point  out  the  fore  to 
our  conftituents,  and  though  it  might  be  empiricifm 
to  cut  it  out,  we  may  give  it  an  emollient  drcffing, 
and  trull  to  the  foundnefs  of  the  national  conftitution, 
and  the  regimen  of  rtfleflion,  for  the  cure. 

Mr.  Fitzfiraons  obferved,  that  he  had  no  violent 
predilection  for  any  performance  of  his  own.  He 
had  therefore,  to  prevent  fo  much  difputing,  pre- 
pared to  withdraw  his  motion,  provided  the  com- 
mittee were  willing  that  he  fliould  do  fo  ;  and  in 
the  room  of  this  motion,  he  would  read  another, 
for  which  he  was  indebted  to  a  gentleman  who  fa: 
near  him  *.  The  committee  confented.  The  mo- 
tion was  withdrawn,  and  the  other  was  read.  It 
was  in  thefe  words : 

"  In  tracing  the  origin  and  progrefs  of  the  infnr- 
"  re^lion,  we  can  entertain  no  doubt,  that  certain 
"  combinations  of  men,  carelcfs  of  confcquences,  and 
"  difregarding  the  truth,  by  diffeminating  fufpicions, 
*'  jealoufies,  and  accufitions  of  the  government, 
'*  have  had  all  the  agency  you  afcribe  to  them,  in 
"  fomenting  this  daring  outrage  againfl:  focial  order, 
"  and  the  authority  of  the  laws.'*  A  motion  of 
amendment  was  then  made  by  another  member  to 
impute  this  agency  as  well  to  "  certain  felf-created 
^^  focieties,"  as  to  the  "  combinations  of  men." 

Mr.  Chriftie  then  rofe.  He  was  forry  to  differ 
from   his  worthy  colleague  \^Mr.  Murray)   on  the 

*  In  the  Philadelphia  Gazette,  where  the  firfl;  iketch  of  this 
debate  appeared,  the  new  motion  is  faid  to  have  originated 
•with  Mr.  B.  Bourne.  The  Editor  hath  fince  le:^rned  that  this 
was  a  miftake,  Mr.  Bourne  only  handed  the  paper  to  Mr.  Fitz- 
fimons  from  a  third  member,  without  knowing  its  contents. 

H  2  qucftion 


100  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

queftion  then  before  the  committee ;  and  he  was 
doubly  forry  to  hear  that  gentleman  labour  fo  ftre- 
nuoufly  to  faddle  a  public  odium  on  fome  of  the  bed 
citizens  of  the  (late  (Pvlaryland)  which  he  repre- 
fented.  Mr.  Chriftie  ihould  not  have  rifen  on  the 
prefent  occafion,  although  he  thought  it  an  import- 
ant one,  had  it  not  been  to  endeavour  to  refcue, 
from  public  cenfure,  a  fociety  of  gentlemen,  who 
were  defcribed  in  the  prefent  amendment  before  the 
committee,  as  objefts  of  public  opprobrium.  Mr. 
Chriftie  alluded  to  the  Republican  fociety  of  the 
town  of  Baltimore.  If  the  prefent  amendment  took 
place,  that  fociety  would  be  involved  in  general  and 
undefervcd  cenfure.  He  would  therefore  inform 
the  Houfe  of  what  defcription  of  men  the  Republi- 
can fociety  of  Baltimore  confifted  ;  and  then  the 
committee  would  be  the  beft:  judges,  whether  they 
ought  to  be  rewarded  in  the  manner  in  which  they 
were  about  to  be  rewarded,  if  the  prefent  amend- 
ment Ihould  be  adopted.  They  were  a  fociety  of 
gentlemen  affociated  together,  for  the  purpofe  of 
diffufmg  political  knowledge  throughout  the  ftate 
of  Maryland,  and  to  inftruft  their  reprefentatives  in 
Congrefs,  and  the  Lcgiflature  of  the  ft:ate,  in  any 
point  that  they  thought  neceffary,and  not  for  the  pur- 
pofe of  fowing  diifenfion  among  the  citizens  of  Ame- 
rica, or  of  cultivating  diflike  to  the  union,  and  to 
the  laws.  This  fociety  confift:ed  of  men,  whofe  cha- 
racfters  were  faperior  to  any  cenfure  that  might  be 
thrown  againft  them,  by  the  mover  of  the  amend- 
ment (Mr.  Fitzfimons)  ;  for  they  would  confider  it 
no  difcredit  to  have  his  difapprobation.  But  when 
Congrefs  are  about  to  caft  an  odium  on  a  particular  fo- 
ciety, who  have  every  refpe6l  for  that  body,  and  have 
always  inculcated  obedience  to  the  laws  of  the  Uni- 
ted States,  Mr.  Chrifl:ie  left  it  to  the  committee  to 
determine,  whether,  if  they  were  themfelves  in  the 

place 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  loi 

place  of  the  Baltimore  focieiy,  they  would  not  feel 
the  r  fenfibility  materially  wounded  ?  Was  not  this 
returning  good    for  evil  ?   He   again  reminded  the 
committee,  that  the  Republican  fociety  at  Baltim.ore 
was  compofed  of  a  band  of  patriots,  not  the  fair- 
weather  patriots  of  the  prefent  day,  but  the  patriots 
of  feventy-Jive,  the  men   who   were   not   afraid   to 
rally  round  the  American  ftandard,  when  that  ftation 
was  almoft  concluded  to  be  a  forlorn  hope.     They 
were   men  who,  with  their  perfons  and  properties, 
had  affifted  to  drive  from  the  foil  of  America,  the 
prefent    lawlefs    difturbers  of  the   world.      "  Are 
"  thefe   the  men,"  faid  Mr.  Chriftie,  "  who  ought 
*'  to  have  all  this  mafs  of  CongrelTional  odium  call 
"  upon  them  ?    I  trufl  not,  lir.     I  truft,  that  if  par- 
"  ticular  gentlemen  are  illiberal  enough  to  cenfure 
"  them,  yet  that  this  Houfe  will  never  agree  to  fuch 
'*' iniquitous   meafures.     What  was  the  conduct  of 
"  this  fociety  when  the  firfl:  news  of  the  late  infur- 
*'  re^lion  reached  them  ?  Did  they  not,  in  the  mod 
*'  pointed  manner,  difcountenance  any  fuch  proceed- 
"  ing  ?  Did  they  not  refufe  to  correfpond  with  any 
"  fociety  that  aided,   or  in  any  manner  abetted  the 
"  infurreftion  ?  They  did  more.     They  offered  their 
*'  perfonal  fervices  to  go  and  help  to  crufli  this  com- 
*'  motion  in  the  bud."     Mr.  Chridie  fubjoined,  that 
he  would  venture  to  fay,   and  at  the  fame  time  he 
fpoke  within  bounds,  that  nine-tenths  of  this  fociety 
aftually  took  up   their  mufkets,  and  marched  into 
the  field,  for  the  above  laudable  purpofe,  and  that 
numbers  of  them  ftiU  continue  there,  and  are  the 
friends  of  peace   and  order,   and  not  the  dlforgan- 
izers,    that    the    prefent    amendment    would    make 
them.     Mr.  Chrillie  applied  to  the  candor  of  the 
committee  to  fay,  whether  the  Baltimorey^^-rr^^/^'^:/ 
Republican   fociety  were   the    defcription  of  men 
whom    the  Prefident,  in  his  fneech,  meant  to   de- 
ll x  fcribe. 


I  ©2  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

fcilbe.  He  was  fure  it  was  not.  Therefore  why 
involve,  in  this  indifcriminate  cenfure,  men,  who 
have  deferved  fo  well  of  their  country  ;  men,  who, 
inftead  of  having  odium  caft  upon  them,  merit  every 
praife  which  the  Federal  government  can  beftow. 
For  thefe,  and  fome  other  reafons,  Mr.  Chriflie  de- 
clared that  he  fliould  vote  againfl:  the  amendment, 
and  he  trufted  that  he  fliould  vote  in  the  majority. 

Mr.  Murray  roie  to  explain.  He  did  not  mean 
this  fociety.  It  was  the  Philadelphia  and  Pittfburgh 
Societies.  Mr.  Murray  vas  acquainted  with  this 
fociety,  and  had  the  greateft  refpeft  for  them.  As 
for  the  members  of  the  other  focieties,  he  was  for 
gibbeting  their  principles  only. 

Mr.  Rutherford.  This  alarm  is  owing  to  an 
OVERGROWN  MONiED  SYSTEM,  with  which  the 
people  are  not  entirely  fatisfied.  But  the  money- 
holders  need  not  be  afraid.  The  people  will  pay 
the  public  debt.  Then  why  diilurb  the  tranquillity 
of  the  people  ?  The  Prefident,  in  his  fpeech,  points 
only  at  combinations  over  the  mountains.  As  to 
the  character  of  the  Prefident  himfelf,  to  praife  him 
was  like  holding  up  a  ruili  candle  to  ler  us  fee  the 
fun.  "  1  have  known  that  man,"  faid  Mr.  Ruther- 
ford, "  for  thefe  forty  years.  I  have  had  the  ho- 
'•  nour  of  ferving  under  him  in  the  lafl  war,  and  of 
"  frequently  executing  his  wife  and  noble  orders." 
The  member  declared  that  this  amendment  could 
•anfwer  no  purpofe  but  that  of  difturbing  the  public 
peace.  He  himfelf  reprefented  as  refpeftable  a 
diftrift  as  any  in  Virginia,  and  he  had  as  good 
opportunities,  as  any  gentleman  in  that  Houfe, 
to  know  the  temper  of  Americans.  They  were 
fn-mly  attached  to  the  prefent  government,  and  the 
holders  of  paper  need  not  be  fo  much  afraid  of  de- 
mocratic focieties,  for  the  people,  to  prcferve  the 
public   tranquillity,    were  determined   to  difcharge 

the 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  103 

the  public  debt,  no  matter  how  it  was  contra61:ed, 
and  therefore  it  would  be  much  better  not  to  harrafs 
the  public  mind  with  amend menis  like  that  on  the 
table.  Thefe  are  fome  of  the  leadin'j[  remarks  deli- 
vered  in  this  fpeech. 

Mr.  Giles  faid  that  hAiad  an  amendment  to  pro- 
pofe,  that  would,  he  hoped,  meet  with  the  approba- 
tion of  a  certain  defcription  of  gentlemen  in  that  com- 
mittee. His  amendment  was  to  ibike  out  the  words 
''^fcif-created  focieties,"  from  the  amendment  of  Mr. 
Fitzfimons,  and  infert  "  the  democratic  foieries  of 
"  Philadelphia,  New-York,  and  Pittlbur^h."  Gen- 
tlemen would  then  have  fome  fpecific  objeft  at  which 
they  could  fay  that  their  vote  of  cenfure  was  level- 
led ;  for  the  general  expreffion  of  felf-created  com- 
prehended every  fociety  ^  any  kind  in  the  union. 
For  his  own  part,  he  was  very  far  from  wanting  to 
cenfure  any  fet  of  men  for  their  political  opinion. 

Mr.  Parker  feconded  the  motion  for  {Iriking  out, 
but  he  would  not  confent  to  the  infert  ion  propofed 
by  Mr.  Giles.  The  reft  of  this  debate,  therefore, 
was  on  ftriking  out,  or  inferting  the  words,  cer- 
tain felf-created  focieties,  in  the  new  amendment 
propofed  by  Mr  Fitzilmons. 

Mr.  Sedgwick  was  oppofed  to  ftriking  out  the 
words :  the  democratic  focieties  were  certainly 
the  objefts  of  cenfure  in  the  fpeech  ;  they  cer- 
tainly merited  cenfure,  and  fuch  ought  to  be  the 
decl  jf-ation  of  the  committee.  In  this  way  the  Pre- 
fidenc  ought  to  be  fupported  by  the  Legiflature. 

Mr.  Venable  faid,  that  there  was  a  paper  on  that 
table  (he  referred  to  the  letter  from  Mr.  Hamilton 
to  the  Prefident)  which  fliewed,  that  the  combina- 
tions in  the  weftern  counties  began  their  exiftence 
at  the  ve^ry  fame  fme  with  the  excife  law  itfelf.  k 
was  therefore  entirely  improper  to  afcribe  them  to 
democratic  focieties.  "  Should  government."  faid 
H  4  Mr, 


104  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

Mr.  Venable,  "  come  forward,  and  fhew  their  imbc- 
"  cility  by  cenfuring  what  we  cannot  punifh  ?  The 
"  people  have  a  right  to  think  and  a  right  to  fpeak. 
"  Let  us,  if  we  have  a  title  to  do  it,  puniih  them  j 
"  but  iliah  we  indifcriminately  cenfure  all  fccieties, 
"  for  felf-created  are  all  l^ieties  in  this  country  ? 
"  1  am  not  afraid  to  fpeak  my  fentiments.  I  am 
"  not  afraid  of  being  called  a  diforganizer.  I  am,  as 
"  much  as  any  gentleman  in  this  committee,  a  friend 
"  to  regular  government." 

Mr.  Dexter  believed  that  fuch  focieties  were  in 
themfelves  wrong,  but  he  was  flill  not  for  making 
laws  againft  them  ;  he  had  however  numerous  ob- 
jections to  their  condu6t.  One  of  thefe  was,  that 
they  erefted  themfelves  into  a  model  for  the  refi  of 
their  fellovz-citizens  to  c^^.  The  great  principle 
of  republicanifm  was,  that  the  minority  fhould  fub- 
mit  to  the  will  of  the  majority.  But  thele  people 
have  elevated  themfelves  into  tyrants.  Such  focieties 
are  proper  in  a  country  where  government  is  defpo- 
tic ;  but  it  is  improper  that  fuch  focieties  fhould 
exiil  in  a  free  country,  like  the  United  States  ;  and 
hence  Mr.  Dexter  was  a  friend  to  the  amendment 
as  propofed  by  Mr.  Fitzfmions.  It  had  been  faid, 
that  it  was  unufual  to  give  opinions  of  this  kind  ; 
but  in  reality  the  Houfe  were  in  the  pra£lice  of 
ejiprelling  their  femiments  on  matters  of  that  fort, 
in  fuch  addrelTes  as  the  one  now  before  them.  Mr. 
Dexter  was  decidedly  againft  the  amendment  il^on 
the  ameiidmcnt,  propofed  by  Mr.  Giles.  He  flated 
the  reafons  on  which  the  propri^i^^f  echoing  that 
part  of  the  fpeech  under  con^eration  is  founded. 
Congrefs  is  the  centre  of  itiformation  ;  it  is  treafon 
againft  the  people  to  with-hold  that  information 
from  the  people,  in  the  remotcft  part  of  th^  union. 
It  is  impoilible  to  notice  that  part  of  the  fpeech-now 
under  confideration,  without  giving  an  opinion  re- 
lative 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  105 

latlve  to  a  fa£t ;  we  muft  have  an  opinion  on  the  oc- 
cafion  ;  two  branches  of  the  government  have  ex- 
preffed  their  opinion,  and  it  is  the  indifpenfable  duiy 
of  the  committee  to  exprefs  theirs.  Every  man,  faid 
he,  who  votes  againfl  exprelling  this  opinion,  will 
be  confidered  as  advocatin^thefe  inflituiions. 

Mr.  Gilbert  regretted  that  the  fubjefl:  had  been 
drawn  into  fo  much  difculTion,  but  it  had  developed 
fo  many  fa6ts,  and  occafioned  fo  many  aiTertions  re- 
lative to  thefe  focieties,  that  it  was  become  indifpen- 
fably  neceflary  for  the  committee  to  give  an  opinion  ; 
and  he  conceived  that  no  folid  objection  had  been 
offered  againfl:  the  motion,  as  it  lay  on  the  table  ; 
he  infifl:ed  that  the  affertion  in  the  fpeech  was  well 
founded ;  that  the  evils  dated  have  taken  place  and 
originated  in  the  combini^ns  and  proceedings  of 
thefe  felf-created  focieties.  This  being  the  principle 
of  the  cafe,  there  refiilts  an  evident  propriety  in  our 
faying  fo  ;  it  is  a  fafl  which  cannot  be  better  ex- 
prelTed  than  in  the  words  now  on  the  table. 

Mr.  Nicholas.  Gentlemen  have  foiced  us  into  a 
difcuffion,  and  then  fay  that  we  mufl;  decide  as  they 
pleafe,  in  deference  to  the  Prefident.  This  is  the 
real  ground  and  foundation  of  jheir  arguments. 
But  who  flarted  this  queftion  ?  It  the  gentlemen 
have  brought  themfelves  into  a  difficulty  with  regard 
to  the  Prefident,  by  their  precipitation  in  propofmg 
votes  of  cenfure,  which  they  cannot  carry  through, 
they  Itlve  only  to  blame  themfelves.  "  Is  it  expect- 
ed," fays  Mr.  Nicholas,  '*  that  I  am  to  abandon  my  in- 
dependence for  the^fake  of  the  Prefident  ?  He  never 
intended  that  we  fliould  take  any  fuch  notice  of  his 
reference  to  thefe  focieties  ;  but  if  the  popularity  of 
the  Prefident  has,  in  the  prefent  cafe,  been  com- 
mitted, let  .thofe  zvho  have  hatched  this  thing,  and 
who  have  brought  it  forward,  anfwer  for  the  confe- 
quences.     This  whole  queflion  tunis  upon  a  matter 

of 


to6  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

of  fd.£i,   which   ought  to  be  proved,  viz.  havd  the 
democratic  focieties  been  one  of  the  pridcipal  caufes 
of  the  weftern  infurreftion  ?  This  is  a  matter  of  fa£l, 
or  otherwife,  and  it  depends  upon  dire£t  evidence. 
But  how  do  gentlemen  handle  this  queftion  ?  They 
digrefs  into  abfl:ra61:  proj0fitions,  a  thing  never  heard 
of  before,  where  a  matter  of  facl  was  to  be  proved. 
I  fay  that  where  direft  proof  is  wanted,  we  fee  gen- 
t\emen yia?iding  on  the  fioor  for  half  an  hour  together, 
without   attemptmj  to  advance  a  fmgle  fa£t  in  fup- 
port  of  their  alTertions  ;  yet  this  is  the  only  admif- 
fible  kind  of  evidence,    that  the  focieties   are,  from 
their  nature,  unfriendly  to  the  Federal  government." 
Mr.  Nicholas  then  adverted  to  a  remark  which  had 
been  made,  we  believe  bv  Mr.   Dexter,    that  libels 
were  daily  profecuted  i^Phis  country,  from  which 
it  was  inferred,  that  calumnious  attacks  on  govern- 
ment  were  the  jull;  objefts  of  reprehenfion.     Mr. 
Nicholas  faid,  that  the  comparifon  was  not  fair,  be- 
caufe  in  a  cafe  of  libel,   the  parties  accufed  have  a 
proper    opportunity  to  defend  themfelves.      Have 
thefe  peopie  here  (to  wit,  the  democratic  focieties), 
any  fuch    opportunity  ?  It   has  been   alleged,  as  a 
crime  againft  them,  that  they  have  never  once  pub- 
lifhed   any  approbation  of  any  meafure  of  govern- 
ment.    Mr.  Nicholas  argued   tliat  this   arofe  from 
the  very  nature  of  their  inllituiion,   which  was  to 
watch  the   errors   of  the  le;^iflature   and  executive, 
and  point  out  to  the  public  what  they  confidtftd  to 
be  miftakes.       Faults  were  the  only  kind  of  fa*5ls 
which  they  were  in  quefc  of.     ftere  Mr.  Nicholas 
drew  a  material   diftindion.      If  thefe  focieries  had 
cenfured   every   proceeding    of   government,   there 
would  have  been  the  greateft  reafon  for  taking  fome 
meafures.     But   what   was  the  cafe  ?  As  to  an  im- 
menfe  number  of  the  proceedings  of  the  executive 
and  legillature,  they  had  taken  no  notice  whatever. 

Mr, 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  107 

Mr.  Sedgwick  fciid,  that  in  a  government  of  de- 
partments, fuch  as  that  of  the  United  States,  where 
the  executive  pov/er  was  lodged  in  the  hands  of  an 
individual,  and  where  the  legiflature  was  not  perpe- 
tually in  feffion,  there  fcemed  to  be  a  propriety  in 
point  of  theory,  fanftioned  by  the  practice  of  all 
fuch  governments  of  which  we  had  any  knowledge, 
that  the  executive  (liould  exhibit  to  the  legiflature, 
at  the  commencement  of  its  deliberations,  a  general 
picture  of  the  ftate  of  the  community,  and  announce 
fuch  fa£i:s  as  had  affefted,  or  might  materially  affect, 
the  public  happinefs.  That  in  addition  to  the  obvi- 
ous propriety  refulting  from  the  nature  of  things, 
it  was  made  conftitutionally  the  duty  of  the  Prefi- 
dent,  to  reprefent  to  Congrefs  the  flats  of  the  union. 
And  that  in  doing  this,  fiith  fuljefts  were  not 
alone  to  be  felefted,  as  were  within  the  appropriated 
limits  of  legiflation.  The  Prefident,  in  conformity 
to  a  univerfally  eflabliflied  practice,  and  in  perfor- 
mance of  the  duties  exafted,  as  well  by  the  confi- 
dence repofed  in  him,  as  by  the  exprefs  provifion 
cf  the  conftitution,  had  declared  to  the  legiflature, 
that  an  unnatural  infurreftion  had  taken  place  againfl 
the  government  and  laws,  and  that  it  had  been  fo- 
mented by  certain  combinations  of  men,  under  the 
general  denomination  of  felf  created  focicties."  The 
firfl  queftion  which  prefented  itfelf  to  the  committee, 
was,  whether  the  fa6ls,  as  ftated  by  the  Prefident, 
be  true  ?  and  if  fo,  the  fecond  qucition  was,  whe- 
ther it  was  the  duty  of  the  Houfe  to  give  their  voice 
in  fupport  of  the  Prefideni's  declaration  ?  He  was 
prepared,  upon  very  mature  and  deliberate  confidera. 
tion,  to  give  his  unqualified  aflfent  to  both  queftions. 
A  gentleman  (Mr.  Giles)  had  faid,  that  to  echo  the 
fentiments  of  the  Prefident,  would  dedroy  that  una- 
nimity which  was  fo  defirabie  in  the  Houfe,  and 
produce  difcord  and  ini:ation.     No  man  would  go 

further 


io8  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

further  than  himfelf  to  obtain  or  continue  unanimltjr 
in  the  public  councils  ;  but  he  was  at  a  lofs  to  de- 
termine why  gentlemen  Ihould  permit  themfelves  to 
be  irritated  at  a  declaration  of  the  truth,  refpefting 
mifchievous  focieties.  The  prefent  amendment  (of 
Mr.  Fitzfimons)  would  have  a  tendency  to  plunge 
thefe  focieties  into  contempt,  and  to  fmk  them  ftill 
farther  into  abhorrence  and  deteflation.  Mr.  Sedg- 
wick pronounced  them  to  be  illicit  combinations. 
They  are  focieties  which  no  member  has  undertaken 
to  defend.  One  gentleman  (Mr.  Nicholas)  tells 
you,  that  he  defpifes  them  mod  heartily.  Another 
(Mr.  Lyman)  fays  that  they  begin  to  repent.  Will 
the  American  people  perverfely  propofe  to  fhoulder 
and  bolder  up  thefe  defpifed  and  repenting  focieties, 
which  are  now  tumbling  into"  dufl;  and  contempt  ? 
Their  conduft  differed  as  far  from  a  fair  and  ho- 
nourable invelligation,  as  Chrifl  and  Belial.  They 
were  men  prowling  in  the  dark.  "  God  is  my 
judge,'*  faid  Mr.  Sedgwick,  "  that  I  would  not 
wifli  to  check  a  fair  difculfion."  It  had  been  faid, 
that  the  adoption  of  the  propofed  amendment  might 
be  conftrued  into  an  intention  of  reftraining  the  free- 
dom of  debate.  He  was  forry  to  fee  any  where, 
and  more  particularly  in  the  legiflature,  a  difpofition 
to  confound  freedom  and  licentioufnefs.  They  were 
indeed  as  Chrifl:  and  Belial.  Was  there  not,  he 
afked,  an  obvious  diftin^tion  between  a  cool,  difpaf- 
fionate,  honed,  and  candid  difcuffion  of  political 
ineafures,  and  a  wicked,  falfe,  and  fcditious  mifre- 
prefentation  of  public  men  and  public  meafures  ? 
The  former  was  within  the  province,  and  it  was  the 
duty  of  freemen  ;  the  latter  was  inconfiHent  with 
moral  reftitude,  tended  to  the  dcftru^tion  of  free- 
dom, and  to  produce  every  evil  which  could  affli*^: 
a  community.  He  was  willing  to  concede,  that  per- 
haps no  boundary  would  be  fo  accurately  marked, 

bv 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  109 

by  which  the  one  might,  in  all  inftances,  be  fub- 
je(fted    to    puniiliment,    without    endangering    the 
other.     The   boundary   was   neverthelefs   diftin^lly 
marked  in  the  mind  of  every  man  correftly  inftrucled 
in  morality  and  politics.     If  then  it  was  agreed,  that 
this  was  not  a  fubjeft  on  which  legal  difcuffion  was 
contemplated,   it  was  afked,  why  fhould  the  Houfe 
exprefs  an   opinion   on  it  ?  Mr.   Sedgwick  faid   he 
would  afk  in  his  turn,  why  exprefs  the  other  fenti- 
ments  already  unaniraoully  agreed  to  in  the  addrefs  ? 
Why  particularly   approve   the  gallant  conduft  of 
Gen.    Wayne   and  his  brave  army  ?  If  the  Houfe 
might  do  this  to  conduce  to  the  public  benefit,  by 
flimulating  to  like  virtuous  aftions,  why  not,  when 
it  might  equally  promote  the  public  interefl,  reprefs 
vice,  by  infliding   deferved    cenfure  ?  The  miotives, 
the    objefts,   and   effe£ls  are  the  fame,   the  public 
good.      Where  would   gentlemen   find   an    autho- 
rity  in  the  one  inftance,   which  was  wanting  in  the 
other?  One   gentleman  (Mr.   M'Dowell)  had    faid 
that  the  infurreftion  had  not  been  fomented  by  the 
wicked  and  infidious  conduft  of  democratic  focieties, 
but  by   the  wanton  afts  of  the  government  itfelf ; 
and  he  had  inllanced  as  evidence  of  this,  particularly 
the  funding  fyflem  and  the  afliiraption.    Mr.  Sedg- 
wick faid,  that  if  he  had  not  previoufly  known  the  gen- 
tleman, he  ftiould  have  fuppofed  that  he  had  imbibed 
his    political  do^rines  at  the  ftreams  which  ifiued 
from  the   impure  fountains  of  democratic  focieties. 
It  had  been  the   trick  of  thofe  focieties  to  repre- 
fent  the  public  debt,  not  as  it  was  in  faft,  the  pur- 
chafe  of  our  freedom  and  independence,  but  as  wan- 
tonly and  vvicked'y  created  by  the  legifiature  to  de- 
flroy  the  pure  principles  of  our  republican  govern- 
ment, and  to  fubftitute  in  its  ftead  a  vile  ariflocracy. 
This  they  know   to    be    unfounded   and    falfc.     It 
might  be  improper  in  point  of  time,  it  was  only  fo 

oa 


no  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

on  that  account,  to  fpeak  to  thofe  fubjefls  which 
had  been  mifreprefented  by  the  falfe  beads  of  the 
clubs.  He  would,  however,  fubmit  to  the  candid 
confiderarion  of  the  gentleman  who  made  fo  violent 
an  attack  in  refpeft  to  the  alTumption  of  the  ftate 
debt,  whether  prudence,  policy,  juftice,  or  huma- 
nity dictated  leaving  dates  in  point  of  public  burden 
in  that  flate  of  inequality  in  which  the  government 
found  them  ?  fome  almoft  without  any  debt,  while 
others  were  fo  burdened,  that  the  partial  provifion 
which  they  made,  created  immenfe  difcontent,  re- 
laxed the  fmews  of  government,  prevented  the  en- 
couragement of  manufaclures,  and  promoted  emi- 
gration ?  Were  the  ftates  thus  circumifanced,  lefs 
meritorious  than  their  neighbours  r  and  was  the  gen- 
tleman fo  wdl  acquainted  with  the  fubjeft,  as  to  be 
affured  that  an  efficient  provifion  could  be  made  for 
what  he  would  term  the  domeflic  debt  proper,  inde- 
pendent of  the  affumption  ?  He  faid,  he  had  never 
been  able  to  account  to  himfelf  for  the  extreme  op- 
pofition  which  gentlemen  had  given  to  this  meafure, 
in  his  opinion,  indifpenfable  to  the  national  profpe- 
rity.  A  gentleman  (Mr.  Nicholas)  had  faid,  that 
thofe  aflbciations  were  lawful,  that  fometimes  they 
had  conduced  properly, and  fometimes  otherwife.  Mr. 
Sedgwick  faid  he  had  never  heard  of  any  inftance 
in  which  they  had  done  the  former  ;  he  could  not 
therefore  affent  to  the  affertion,  whatever  the  charac- 
ters of  the  individuals  might  be  who  compofed  thofe 
focieties.  If  it  was  true,  which  was  the  cafe  as  far  as 
his  information  extended,  and  he  appealed  to  the  ob- 
fervation  of  other  gentlemen  in  confirmation  of  his 
own,  that  they  were  compofed  generally  of  men  dif- 
affe£led  to  the  government,  combined  under  the  fpe- 
cious  pretence  of  giving  to  the  people  impartial  po- 
litical information,  with  the  fcditious  intention  of 
flanderinc^  the  meafurcs  of  government  and  its  ad- 

mmiltrators  j 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  m 

miniftrators  ;  if  by  mifreprefentatioii  and  falfehood 
they  had  deceived  the  people,  fomented  rebellion, 
and  put  at  hazard  the  happinefs  and  liberties  of 
the  country,  which  he  believed  to  be  the  cafe,  he  had 
no  doubt  that  they  were  unlawful,  and  dangerous 
focieties,  againfl:  whofe  dcfigns  the  people  ought  to 
be  warned  by  thofe  whom  they  had  elected  as  their 
public  guardians.  Mr.  Sedgwick,  to  expofe  to  the 
confideration  of  the  committee  the  public  benefits 
derived  from  the  adminiflration  of  the  government, 
contraded  the  firuation  of  the  United  States  before 
and  fmce  the  adoption  of  the  conflitution.  During 
the  former  period  he  faid  the  American  name  was 
degraded  and  difgraced  ;  the  citizens  alm.oft  intolera- 
bly burdened  by  taxes,  and  yet  the  revenue  unpro- 
du<5tive  and  public  credit  proftrate  ;  the  ftates  em- 
ployed in  legiilative  hoftility  ;  private  confidence  de- 
ftroyed  ;  and  every  friend  of  his  country  painfully 
agitated  with  apprehenfion  of  ftill  more  dreadful 
confequences.  During  the  l.uter  period,  the  Ame- 
rican name  had  been  rendered  honourable  and  glo- 
rious ;  without  burdening  the  citizen,  public  credit 
and  private  confidence  reftored  ;  manufactures  infti- 
tuted,  and  navigation  extended,  and  every  man  en- 
joying all  the  bleffings  of  liberty  and  fecurity.  This, 
he  faid,  v/as  a  flate  of  fociety  which  ought  not, 
for  llip-ht  or  trivial  caufes,  to  have  been  diilurb- 
ed.  Although  with  refpeCl  to  the  meafures  of  the 
government,  and  particularly  the  excife,  there  had 
cxifted  a  dififsrence  of  opinion,  yet  there  was  a 
very  confiderable  majority  in  favour  of  it.  And 
although  fome  uneafinefs  was  at  firft  expreffed  con- 
cerning it  in  feveral  parts  of  the  United  States, 
yet  cool  and  temperate  difcuffion  had  quieted  and 
almoft  annihilated  oppofition,  when  a  foreign  agent, 
(Genet)  arrived  in  this  country.  The  moment  that 
man  fbt  his  foot  on  American  ground,  he  attempted 

the 


1 1 2  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

the  cxereife  of  the  rights  of  fovereignty.  In  dc« 
fiance  of  decency,  and  the  conflituted  authorities 
of  the  people,  in  violation  of  law  and  our  duties 
of  neutrality,  he  attempted  arming  our  citizens,  and 
involving  us  in  the  horrors  of  wzr.  This  unwar- 
rantable attempt  was  defeated  by  the  vigilance  and 
the  manly  patriotic  exertions  of  the  Prefident.  Du- 
ring the  route  of  this  man  from  Charlefton  to  Phi- 
ladelphia, he  was  every  where  attended  by  the  ho- 
fannas  of  the  difaffeded  ;  and  wherever  he  could 
find  a  fit  foil,  he  planted  the  feeds  of  feditious  op- 
pofition.  The  produce  has  been  abundant  in 
the  democratic  focieties  throughout  the  United 
States  ;  and  wherever  they  have  obtained  a  degree 
of  prevalence,  a  good  difpofition  towards  the  go- 
vernment, and  the  adminillration  of  it,  have  been 
blafled.  The  people  had  inftituted  their  own  go- 
vernments ;  fuch  powers  as  they  pleafed  they  had  de- 
legated, and  fuch  as  they  chofe,  they  had  retained. 
They,  too,  had  employed  fuch  inftruraents  as  their 
wifdora  di£lated,  to  exprefs  and  to  execute  their 
will.  But  the  members  of  thele  clubs,  revoltinc^ 
from  the  (late  of  equality  of  which  they  faid  fo 
much,  had  affumed  func^tions  inconfiflent  with  every 
principle  of  republicanifm.  Thefe  focieties,  felf- 
created,  without  delegation  or  controul,  not  ema- 
nating from  the  people,  nor  refponfible  to  them, 
not  open  in  their  deliberations,  nor  admitting  to 
them  any  but  thofe  of  their  own  political  opinions, 
and  of  endlefs  duration,  have  raodeftly  alTumed  the 
character  of  popular  inftru^lors,  guardians  of  the 
people's  guardians,  and  governors  of  their  govern- 
ment. Thefe  focieties,  thus  unconltitutionally  con- 
flituted, ought  at  leaft  to  have  been  impartial  in 
the  execution  of  their  affumed  truft.  What,  he 
aflced,  had  been  their  conduft  ?  Was  there  nothing 
in  the  adminiftration  of  government  which  would 

admit 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  113 

admit  of  approbation  ?  They  had  been  either  blind, 
as  to  the  difcovery  of  any  fuch  a£ls,  or  diftionell:,  in 
the  fappreffion  of  them.  On  the  other  hand,  thefe 
focieties  had  loaded  the  charaftcrs  of  every  man  in 
the  adir.iniftraiion  of  the  government,  and  v/ho  had 
affented  to  its  a<^s,  with  every  fpecies  of  calumny 
and  flander,  with  flanders  which  they  knew  to  be 
unfounded  and  falfe.  They  ha<l  not  even  fpared 
the  charader  of  that  greateft  and  beft  of  men, 
who  had  been  fuppofed  to  be  clothed  with  invio- 
lability ;  not  indeed  that  paltry  inviolability  which 
exifts  in  ccnftitutional  prefcription  ;  but  one  infinitely 
more  dear  to  an  ingenuous  mind,  founded  on  the 
public  gratitude,  and  refulting  from  difinterefted  and 
invaluable  fervices.  I'he  democratic  focieties  told 
the  people  that  they  would  be  flaves.  Was  not 
this  wrong  ?  They  lliould  have  told  them  what  was 
well  done,  as  well  as  ill  done.  From  Portland,  in 
the  eaftern  ftates,  to  the  other  end  of  the  continent, 
liave  they  ever  approved  of  one  fmgle  aft  ?  They 
have  fcrutinized,  with  eagles  eyes,  into  every  fault. 
Whom  are  we  to  truft,  them,  or  the  man  that, 
more  than  any  other  human  man  ever  did,  poirefTes 
the  aifeftions  of  a  whole  people  ?  The  queftion  is, 
fliall  we  fupport  the  conftitution  or  not  ? 

It  would  be  tedious  faid  Mr.  Sedgwick,  to  go  into  a 
particular  recital  of  all  the  unwarrantable  proceedings 
of  the  democratical  focieties ;  he  (liould  therefore 
content  himfelf,  with  mentioning  only  one  or  two 
inftances,  within  the  recolleftion,  perhaps,  of  every 
man  in  the  committee.  In  the  democratic  fociety  of 
Wythe  county,  the  character  of  the  Prefident  was 
direftly  attacked,  and  the  people  were  exprefsly  called 
upon  to  concert  raeafures  to  prevent  his  continuance 
in  office.  Perhaps  this  might  be  juftified  upon  the 
principles  of  our  government.  They  did  not  how- 
ever ftop  here.  They  cxprefslv  exhorted  the  people 

I       '  to 


TI4  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

to  refift  the  conftitutional  a£ts  of  government.  Per-' 
haps  it  might  be  faid,  that  rhefe  tranfaftions  were  ia 
an  obfciire  part  of  the  country,  and  that  the  members 
were  contemptible  in  influence  and  information.  The 
fame  could  not  be  faid  of  the  fociety  in  this  city,  the 
centre  of  information,  and  the  members  refpedlable 
for  their  rank  in  hfe,  and  for  their  poHtical  know- 
ledge. This  fociety  had  exprefsly  denounced  every 
man,  who  had  affented  to  certain  laws,  as  tyrants ; 
and  at  the  fame  time  had  declared,  that  none  would 
fubmit  to  them  but  flaves.  Let  gentlemen,  faid  he, 
determine  what  effe£ls  might  reafonably  be  fuppofed 
to  refult  from  fuch  denunciations  and  declarations, 
ifTuing  from  the  feat  of  government,  among  the  igno- 
rant and  unenlightened  inhabitants  beyond  the  moun- 
tains. It  ought  to  be  obferved,  he  faid,  that  at  the 
lime  of  firfl  inftituting  thefe  focieties,  the  flame  of 
fedition,  in  the  fcene  of  the  infurreftion,  was  almod 
fmothered  ;  but  on  the  promulgation  of  thtir  fenti- 
ments,  it  kindled  into  a  blaze  which  threatened  to 
involve  in  a  general  conflagration  the  peace,  happi- 
nefs,  and  liberties  of  our  country.  He  faid  thefe 
were  the  fa£ts  which  the  confidcration  of  the  fubjc^V 
involved,  and  it  was  for  the  committee  to  determine, 
whether  the  Prefident,  or  thefe  pernicious  focieties, 
fliould,  on  this  occafion,  receive  the  countenance  and 
fupport  of  the  reprefentativcs  of  the  people. 

Mr.  M'Doweli  rofe  to  make  an  apology  for  fome 
words  which  had  efcaped  from  him  the  day  beforcr- 
He  did  not  expe£l  to  have  been  fo  fmartly  handled. 
He  had  been  forcibly  flruck  at  the  time,  and  had 
fpoiien'  from  a  momentary  impulfe.  In  fubflance, 
however,  he  adhered  to  all  his  former  allegations. 
He  flill  perfifled  to  believe,  that  tbe  excife  laws  zvere 
Jhapen  in  Jarknefs.  He  apologifed  for  fome  part  of 
his  heat,  from  having  fecn  and  fuffered  fo  much  by 
tlefpotic  government,  during  the  lad  war,  in  which 

this 


POLITICAL  REGISTER*  115 

this  gentleman  fiipported  the  charafter  of  a  brave 
and  able  officer. 

Mr.  Hillhoufe  approved  of  the  amendment,  as 
propofed  by  Mr.  Fitzfimons.  Conftituents  made 
no  fcruple  to  tell  reprefentatives  of  their  faults,  and 
he  faw  no  reafon  why  reprefentatives  might  not  tell 
conftituents  of  theirs  ?  The  refolutions  of  democratic 
focieties  printed  in  the  newfpapers,  had  fpirited  up  the 
people  in  the  weftern  counties  to  refiftance.  They  had 
weakly  fancied,  that  the  American  nation  would  not 
fland  by  their  Conftitution  and  their  Prefident.  But 
for  the  publication  of  thefe  refolutions,  there  would 
have  been  no  infurre6lion.  This  was  a  piece  of  in- 
formation which  the  people  of  the  United  States  had 
a  right  to  know.  It  was  the  duty  of  that  Houfe  to 
let  them  know  it.  The  Prefident  had  done  his  duty. 
Mr.  Hillhoufe  did  not  confider  the  prefent  amend- 
ment, (of  Mr.  Fitzfimons)  as  an  indifcriminate  cen- 
fure,  levelled  at  thefe  focieties ;  he  thought  it  only  a 
fuitable  anfwer  to  that  part  of  the  Prefident's  fpeech. 

Mr.  Parker  concluded  this  debate,  by  a  fhort 
feries  of  remarks.  He  did  not  think  that  democratic 
focieties  were  fo  far  to  blam.s  as  had  been  imagined* 
He  fufpefted  that  the  Prefident  himfelf,  for  whofe 
charafter  and  fervices,  he  felt  as  much  refpe£l  and 
gratitude,  as  any  man  in  America,  had  been  fome- 
what  mifinformed,  on  this  point.  It  would  be  ab- 
furd  to  fay,  that  the  weftern  difturbances  originated 
from  the  publications  of  democratic  focieties,  if  it 
could  be  proved,  to  the  fatisfa£lion  of  the  committee, 
that  fuch  difturbances  had  begun,  long  before  any 
of  the  affociations  alluded  to  had  a  being.  To  prove 
this  pofition,  Mr.  Parker  defired  that  the  clerk  might 
read  a  paffage  from  the  letter  on  that  affair,  written 
by  Mr.  Hamilton,  and  which  has  already  been  pub- 
liflied  in  all  the  nev/fpapers.  The  clerk  accordingly 
read  a  part  of  the  letter,  from  which  Mr.  Parker 

I  2  argued. 


U6  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

argued,  that  his  inference  was  inconteftible,  and  he 
then  flared  the  abfurdity  of  making  the  democratic 
publications  the  origin  of  a  difcontent  which  exifted 
before  them.  He  was  fiitisfied  that  the  Prefident  did 
not  wifli  t/jis  thing  echoed;  and  that  he  would  entirely 
difapprove  of  the  propofed  perfecution.  Mr.  Parker 
faid,  that  he  had  the  honor  of  being  a  member  of 
a  democratic  fociety.  He  did  not  know  every  one 
of  the  members ;  but  thofe  whom  he  did  know  were 
among  the  mofl  refpeftable  part  of  the  community. 
That  they  were  friends  to  good  order  and  the  fe- 
deral government,  there  could  be  no  queftion,  for 
when  the  embargo  was  laid  lafl  fpring,  and  fome 
veffels  had  been  attempting  to  get  off,  thefe  vigilant 
citizens  armed  and  embodied  themfelves,  and  pre- 
vented the  execution  of  the  defign.  He  mentioned 
another  inftance  of  the  patriotifm  of  fome  of  the 
members  of  that  fociety.  On  the  late  call  to  draw 
out  a  feleft  corps  of  militia  to  repel  invafions,  or 
fupprefs  infurreftions,  the  oiEcers  of  the  light  in- 
fantry companies  of  Norfolk  and  Portfmouth,  who 
were  members  of  the  democratic  fociety  above  men- 
tioned, turned  out  as  volunteers  for  the  firft  requi- 
Ution,  at  a  time  when  fome  other  officers,  not  of  tlrat 
fociety,  were  drafted  to  take  their  tour.  With  all 
his  rcfpeft  for  the  Prefident,  Mr.  Parker  was  not  to 
give  up  his  feniiments  or  opinions  for  the  fake  of  any 
man.  He  was  convinced,  that  all  this  violent  decla- 
mation and  irritation  in  the  Houfe,  would  do  a  great 
deal  of  mifchicf,  when  it  tranfpired,  and  would  have 
an  efFeft  exactly  the  reverfe  of  what  was  defigned  by 
the  amendment,  as  it  firft  flood.  A  gentleman  (Mr, 
Dexter)  had  fpoke  of  town  meetings,  as  the  proper 
vehicles  for  the  communication  of  political  ideas, 
and  had  drawn  a  comparifon  between  thefe  and  demo- 
cratic focieties.  Mr«  Parker  requefled  that  it  might 
be  noticed,  that  in  the  fouthern  flates  there  neither 

were 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  117 

were,  nor  could  be,  fuch  things  as  town  meetings, 
becaufe  the  population  was  too  thin,  and  too  widely 
fcattered.  They  were  therefore  to  make  the  beft  of 
it  which  they  could,  and  to  meet  and  deliberate,  no 
matter  where,  whenever  they  found  a  convenient 
opportunity.  Mr.  Parker  expreffed,  in  ftrong  terms, 
the  averfion  that  his  conftituents  would  feci  to  this 
fpecies  of  cenforfliip.  He  concluded  vv^ith  thefe 
words,  "  They  love  your  government  much,  but 
they  love  their  independence  more." 

The  queftion  was  then  called  for.  Mr.  Ames  rofe 
and  faid,  "  I  had  fome  hopes  that  this  queiiion."— 
He  was  informed  that  he  was  too  laie.  The  ayes  and 
noes  were  twice  counted,  on  the  amendment  pro- 
pofed  by  Mr.  Giles,  for  ftriking  out  the  words  fclf- 
created  focieties^  and  from  the  new  amendment  of 
Mr.  Fitzfimons.  For  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Giles, 
ayes  47,  noes  45.  This  amendment  was  therefore 
adopted.     The  whole  addrefs  was  next  read  over. 

Mr.  Giles  then  propofed  an  amendment,  after  the 
words  "  combinations  of  men,"  by  adding,  "  in  the 
four  weftern  counties  of  Pennfylvania." 

Mr.  Hartley  faid  that  the  gentleman  fliould  have 
added,  and  a  county  in  Virginia.  This  amendment 
of  Mr.  Giles  v/as  rejtclied.  The  committee  rofe,  and 
the  chairman  reported  progrefs.  The  Houfe  were 
on  the  point  of  adjourning,  when  the  Speaker  re- 
minded them  of  a  mcfllige  on  the  table  from  the 
Prefident,  which  had  been  received  during  the  lad 
debate.  The  communication  was  read  ;  it  contained 
a  ftatement  of  troops  in  the  American  fervice,  and  a 
letter  from  the  Secretary  at  "War,  being  the  fame 
with  that  fent  this  day  to  the  Senate.  The  mcfiage 
and  (latement  were  dircfted  to  lie  on  the  table.  The 
orders  of  the  day  were  further  poRponed,  and  at  a 
quarter  pad  three  o'clock  the  Houfe  adjourned. 

I  3  WEDNES- 


1 1 8  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 


WEDNESDAY,  the  28th  of  November,  1794. 

The  honourable  John  Henry,  from  the  fcate  of 
Maryland,  and  the  honourable  James  Rofs,  from 
the  ftate  of  Pennfylvania,  feverally  appeared  this 
day,  and  took  their  feats  in  the  Senate.  A  meifage 
was  received  from  the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives  by 
Mr.  Beckley  their  clerk,  in  thefe  words. 

"  Mr.  President, 

"  The  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives  have  pafTed  a 
bill,  entitled,  "  An  aft  extending  the  privilege  of 
franking  to  James  White,  the  delegate  from  the 
territory  of  the  United  States  South  of  the  river 
Ohio  ;  and  making  provifion  for  his  compenfation," 
in  which  they  defire  the  concurrence  of  the  Senate. 
The  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives  have  on  their  part, 
clefted  the  Rev.  Aflibel  Green  a  Chaplain  to  Con- 
grefs,  for  the  prefent  feffion." 

The  bill  in  favour  of  Mr.  White,  was  read  a  firfl 
time,  and  ordered  to  pafs  to  the  fecond  reading. 
The  papers  communicated  from  the  Prefident  of  the 
United  States,  by  a  meifage  of  the  iioth  inftant, 
were  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  for  confideration. 
The  Senate  then  adjourned  till  eleven  o'clock  to- 
morrow forenoon. 

In  the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives,  this  day,  the 
bill  granting  the  privilege  of  franking  and  providing 
compenfation  to  James  White,  delegate  from  the 
South-weftern  Territory,  was  read  the  third  time 
and  paffed.  The  clerk  of  the  Houfe  was  then  di- 
r€6led  to  carry  it  to  the  Senate  for  their  concur^ 
rcDce. 

A  pc- 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  119 

A  petition  of  Samuel  Miller,  of  the  county  of 
Weft-Chcfter,  in  the  flate  of  New- York,  was  pre- 
fented  to  the  Houfe  and  read.  He  prayed  to  be 
placed  on  the  lift  of  penfioners,  in  confideration  of 
a  wound  received  in  the  army  of  the  United  States, 
during  the  late  war.  The  petition  was  referred 
to  the  Secretary  at  War,  to  examine  and  report  his 
opinion  thereupon,  to  the  Houfe. 

The  Speaker  laid  before  the  Houfe,  a  letter  figned 
Oliver  Wolcott,  jun.  on  behalf  of  the  Secretary  of 
the  Treafury,  accompanied  with  eftimates  of  the 
fums  neccffary  to  be  appropriated  for  the  fervice  of 
the  year  1795;  alfo,  ftatements  of  the  application 
of  certain  fums  of  money  granted  by  law ;  which 
were  read,  and  ordered  to  be  committed  to  a  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  Houfe,  to  morrow. 

A  motion  was  made  and  feconded,  that  the  Houfe 
do  come  to  the  follo"nng  refolution  ; 

"  Refohed^  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
bring  in  a  bill  to  increafe  the  pay,  and  regulate  the 
other  allowances  hereafter  to  be  given  to  non-com- 
milTioned  officers,  muficians  and  privates  of  the 
troops  on  the  military  eftabliiliment  of  the  United 
States,  and  of  the  militia,  v/hen  called  into  actual 
fervice,  and  to  sfcertain  the  time  when  the  pay  of 
the  militia  fhall  in  future  commence ;  and  to  make 
farther  and  more  ample  proviiion  for  the  pay  of  the 
militia  on  the  prefent  expedition  to  Fort  Pitt." 

Ordered,  That  the  faid  mocion  be  referred  to  the 
committee  appointed  to  prepare  and  report  apian  for 
the  better  organizing,  arming  and  difciplining  the 
militia  of  the  United  States. 

The  Houfe,  according  to  the  order  of  the  day, 
refolved  itfelf  into  a  committee  of  the  whole  Houfe, 
Mr.  Cobb  in  the  chair,  on  the  bill  to  authorize  the 
Preiident  to  call  out  and  ftaticn  a  corps  of  miliria  in 
the  four  weftern  counties  of  Pennfylvania,  for  a  li- 

I  4  mixed 


126  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

mited  time  ;  and  after  fome  time  fpent  therein,  Mf. 
Speaker  refumed  the  chair,  and  Mr.  Cobb  reported, 
that  the  committee,  according  to  order,  had  taken 
the  faid  bill  under  confidcration,  and  made  feveral 
amendments  thereto.  They  were  twice  read  over, 
and  agreed  to,  and  the  bill  was  ordered  to  be  en- 
groffcd  for  a  third  reading  to-morrow. 

The  Houfe  then  went  into  confideration  of  the 
amendments  made  by  the  committee  of  the  whole, 
on  the  addrefs  to  the  Prefidcnt,  in  anfwer  to  his 
fpeech. 

The  Speaker  read  that  amendment,  by  which  the 

words  fclf-created  focieties  and  had  been  yefterday 

expunged,  after  a  long  debate,  and  upon  the  motion 

of  Mr.   Giles,  from  an  amendment  of  Mr.  Fitz- 

s^iimons. 

A  paufe  of  a  few  minutes  enfued.  At  laft  Mr. 
Dayton  rofe,  and  faid  that  if  nobody  elfe  would  make 
the  motion  he  fliould  make  it,  for  replacing  the 
vjordL"?.  felf-created  focieties  a?id'm  the  amendment  to 
the  addrefs. 

Mr.  Rutherford  declared  that  he  would  oppofe 
thefe  ivords  to  the  laft.  If  the  democratic  focieties 
fpoke  nonfenfe,  people  would  defpife  them.  If  they 
fpcke  otherwife,  the  people  would  efteeni  them,  in 
defiance  of  any  vote  of  cenfure  of  that  Houfe.  The 
people  do  not  look  on  them  with  a  great  deal  of 
3-everence,  but  (till  they  wifli  to  hear  them.  By  the 
turn  which  the  debate  has  now  taken,  if  any  man  is 
in  favour  of  thefe  focieties,  the  Prefident  is  dra'u;n 
acrofs  his  face.  All  the  jealoufies  with  regard  to 
the  attachment  of  the  people,  are  mere  nonfenfe. 
In  the  diftrift  which  Mr.  Rutherford  reprefented, 
there  was  not  a  fmgle  democratic  fociety.  But  thefe 
focieties  contain  many  valuable  and  excellent  charac- 
ters. It  anfwers  no  purpofe  then  to  pnfs  votes  of 
this  kind.     Perhaps  democratic  focieties  have  fome- 

timcs 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  121 

times  done  wrong,  but  this  was  not  a  proper  foun- 
dation for  condemning  thera  in  whole.  Every  go- 
vernment under  heaven  hath  a  tendency  to  degene- 
rate into  tyranny.  Let  the  people,  then  fpeak  out. 
Why  not  let  them  fpeak  out  ?  What  occafion  is  there 
for  all  this  alarm  among  the  ftockholders  ?  A  man 
falls  from  his  horfe,  and,  while  ftunned  by  the  blow, 
he  fays  to  his  neighbour.  Is  not  the  univerfe  fallen  ? 
Jufl:  fo  the  paper  holders  have  got  a  fmall  alarm 
about  their  ftock  on  account  of  this  war,  and  in  their 
fright  imagine  that  the  continent  is  ready  for  an  in- 
lurreftion.  He  repeatedly  obferved,  in  the  eourfe 
of  his  remarks,  that  the  country  was  in  a  ftate  of 
the  greatefl:  profperity  and  tranquility,  if  gentlemen 
would  not  roufe  the  people  with  the  prefent  idle 
motion  from  which  he  boded  no  good  confequence. 
He  repeatedly  affirmed  that  all  was  well. 

Mr.  Dayton  enquired  whether  all  could  be  wcll^ 
when  it  had  been  requifite  to  raife  an  array  of  iifteen 
thoufand  men  to  quell  a  rebellion  ?  Was  it  a  mark 
of  that  univerfal  tranquility  and  fatisfaftion  of  which 
the  gentleman  fpoke  that  an  hundred  and  fifty  men 
were  now  prifoners,  and  about  to  be  tried  for  high 
treafon  ?  Could  all  be  well  in  a  country  from  whence 
large  bodies  of  men  had  lately  fied  in  a  ftate  of  re- 
bellion ?  He  underftood  that  the  democratic  focieties 
had  been  given  up  by  all  the  members,  as  at  any 
rate  contemptible  and  ufdefs,  if  not  pernicious.  He 
was  concerned  to  hear  a  perfon  (Mr.  Rutherford) 
with  one  foot  in  the  grave,  make  an  aiTertion  fo 
evidently  untrue. 

Mr.  Giles  commenced  his  remarks  by  obferving, 
that  upon  the  firil  introduftion  of  this  fjbjc61-,  he 
ufed  every  means  in  his  power  to  avoid  a  difcuffion  ; 
that  he  then  mentioned  feveral  important  confidera- 
tions  as  fources  of  regret,  that  the  queftion  (liould 
be  preffed  into  difcuffion  \  amongd  thefe,  that  the 

utility 


122  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

utility  of  reconciliation  and  unanimity  in  the  Honfc 
of  Reprefentatives  in  the  prefent  agitated  f!  a-  of 
tbings,  was  extremely  obvious ;  that  fuch  a  circum- 
ftance  would  give  fatisfaftion,  he  believed,  to  our 
conflituents  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States ;  that 
k  would  be  the  more  grateful  to  them  as  well  as  to 
this  Houfe,  by  a  recolleclion  of  pad:  incidents,  and, 
that  the  difcuffion  of  this  fubjeft  would  probably  in- 
terrupt the  harmony  which  had  hitherto  charafterifed 
our  proceedings  fmce  the  commencement  of  fhe  pre- 
fent feffion.  He  now  regretted  that  the  courfe  of 
the  debate  had  realized  every  anticipation  of  its  ef- 
icS.s,  It  had  become  evident  that  conciliation, 
however  defirable,  could  not  be  obtained.  Upon 
this  occafion  Mr.  Giles  felt  his  fituation  extremely 
delicate,  and  he  thought  that  there  had  hardly  been 
that  latitude  of  debate  allowed,  which  grew  out  of 
the  fabjetl.  On  the  one  hand  he  was  affailed  by 
■the  popularity  and  influence  of  the  Prefident ;  and 
on  the  other,  by  the  unpopularity  of  Democratic 
focieties.  The  momentary  agitation  of  the  public 
mind  has  alfo  been  made  fubfervient  to  the  fame  end; 
£o  that  he  was  reduced  to  one  of  thefe  alternatives  ; 
either  of  refilling  the  joint  influence  of  all  thefe  im- 
prelBons,  or  of  abandoning  every  obligation  to  his 
own  judgment  and  opinion.  The  latter  alternative 
was  too  dear  a  purchafe  for  the  conciliation  he  fo 
much  defired  ;  particularly  when  it  is  connected  with 
the  naagnitude  and  importance  of  the  fubjeft  in  quef- 
tion.  He  had  endeavoured  to  fliew  that  the  Prefi- 
dent really  never  wanted  or  wiflied  for  any  echo  of 
this  nature,  and  he  was  fl:ill  convinced  that  fuch  was 
the  fa<ft.  P4r.  Giles  had  dene  every  thing  in  his 
power  to  obtain  the  bed  information.  He  had  l;f- 
teiied  attentively  to  all  fides,  and  if  conviftion  had 
come  home  to  his  mind,  he  would  have  announced 
the  alteration  of  his  fentiracms.     There  was  one  cir- 

cumftancc 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  193 

cumflance  in  particular  which  perfuaded  him  that  the 
arguments  employed  on  the  oppofite  fide  were  erro- 
neous, which  was  that  gentlemen,  who  on  other 
topics  had  been  clear,  acute  and  logical,  could  not, 
on  this  fubjeft  bring  themfelves  to  any  definite  con- 
ftru6lion.  Their  arguments  demonftrated  that  they 
differed  extremely  among  themfelves  both  as  to  the 
objeft  and  extent  of  their  propofuion.  Inlfead  of 
producing  conviflion  in  his  mind,  they  had  ftrength- 
ened  and  confirmed  his  original  impreflions.  At  the 
fame  time,  after  hearing  fo  many  eloquent  harangues 
for  two  days  pad,  he  could  not  fufped  the  gentle- 
men for  any  want  of  natural  ingenuity.  One  mem- 
ber (Mr.  Murray)  had  inveighed  againft  all  focieties, 
but  when  puilied  hard,  he  excepted  the  republican 
fociety  of  Baltimore.  A  gentlemen  from  Maflachu- 
fetts  had  included  them  all  in  one  general  fweep  of 
reprobation.  He  had  declared,  that  his  obje61:  was 
to  hold  up  the  democratic  focieties  to  public  odium, 
to  render  them  contemptible,  and  thus  to  redrain 
or  fupprefs  that  method  of  exprefTmg  public  opi- 
nions. Here  Mr.  Dexter  rofe,  and  enquired  if  Mr. 
Giles  meant  him.  He  received  for  anfwer  that  he 
was  not  meant.  Mr.  Sedgwick  was  the  gentleman 
referred  to  ;  and  this  member  explained  that  all  the 
focieties  of  this  fort  which  he  ever  heard  of  had  done 
mifchief ;  and  as  to  the  Baltimore  republican  fociety, 
he  learned  yefterday  for  the  firft  time,  that  fuch  a 
body  had  an  exigence.  Farther  about  them,  he 
could  not  fay.  After  this  interruption  Mr.  Giles 
reverted  to  an  examination  of  what  had  fallen  from 
Mr.  Murray.  That  gentleman  had  declared  that  he 
would  DRESS  TKE  PRESS.  Here  Mr.  Murray  (lop- 
ped Mr.  Giles  by  denying  that  he  ever  faid  any  fuch 
thing.  Mr.  Giles  declared  that  he  Vv-as  forry  if  he 
had  mifquoted  him.  He  fliould  be  happy  to  be  in- 
icerrupled  by  any  member  whom  he  might  happen  to 

mifquote. 


124  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

raifquotc.  He  was  glad  to  be  fet  right.  Mr.  Mar- 
ray  then  repeated  the  words  which  he  had  iifed,  or 
rather  part  of  them.  Mr.  Murray  faid  that  he  was 
forry  for  having  expreffed  himfeif  in  fuch  a  way  as 
to  be  liable  to  be  mifinterpreted,  but  fometimes  it 
was  diflicalt  to  avoid  an  ambiguity,  or  incomplete- 
nefs  of  expreiTion.  The  whole  fentence  as  pro- 
nounced by  Mr.  Murray,  (lands  as  follows.  "  The 
rights  of  the  prefs  ought  not  to  be  freely  handled. 
The  probe  that  would  reach  the  bottom  of  the  fore, 
might  give  a  fpafm  to  the  fineft  nerve  in  the  organs 
of  freedom.  We  may  point  out  the  fore  to  our 
conftituents,  and  though  it  might  be  empiricifm  to 
cut  it  our,  we  may  give  it  an  emollient  dreiTing,  and 
trull  to  the  foundnefs  of  the  national  conflitution^ 
and  the  regimen  of  refleclion  for  the  cure."  We 
have  herf  inferred  this  paiTagf^  of  Mr.  Murray's 
fpeech  of  yeflerday,  in  juftlce  to  that  gentleman, 
becaufe  it  feemed  that  he  himfeif  could  not  diftindly 
recollect  it ;  and  on  this  palTage  it  was  that  Mr. 
Giles  founded  his  affirmation  that  Mr.  Murray  want- 
ed to  drefs  the  prefs. 

From  this  digrelTion  we  return  to  the  fpeech  of 
Mr.  Giles.  Mr.  Sedgwick  had  declared  that  he>  for 
his  parr,  wanted  to  make  the  focieties  cdioiis.  Mr. 
Hiilhoufe  again,  another  advocate  for  the  amend- 
ment, liad  denied  that  any  indifcriminate  cenfurc 
was  intended  by  the  amendment,  but  that  the  whole 
was  no  more  than  a  polite  anfwer  to- the  Prefident. 
'■'- 1  Jaid  no  fuch  thing'^  f^iid  Mr.  Hiilhoufe,  rifing 
Jip.  I'his  member  then  repeated  the  latter  part  of 
his  fpeech,  in  fubflance  exactly  as  it  is  inferred  in 
our  account  of  the  debate  of  yeflerday.  But  he 
entirely  omiiicd  the  concluding  fentence,  which  is  in 
ihefe  words.  "  He  did  not  confider  the  prefent 
amendment  as  an  indifcriminate  cenfure  levelled  at 
ihcfe  focieties  j  he  thought  it  only  a  fuitable  anfwcr 

to 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  125 

to  the  fpcech  of  the  Prcfident."  In  this  way,  the 
gentleman  had  been  undcrftocd  both  by  Mr.  Giles, 
and  by  the  reporter  of  that  debate*.  Mr.  Giles 
faid  that  there  was  an  obvious  difference  of  opinion 
as  to  the  extent  of  the  propofition.  He  had  laid  ic 
down  as  a  rule  the  other  day,  that  cenfure  or  any 
other  punilliment  ought  to  be  definite  both  as  to  its 
cau/e  and  objed.  It  was  a  bad  rule  to  cenfure  In  the 
grofs^  and  exempt  in  the  detail.  The  gentleman  from 
Maryland  in  his  remarks^  exempts  the  republican 
fociety  of  Baltimore,  but  in  his  vote  involves  it  in 
indifcriminate  cenfure  ;  he  feemed  to  be  engaged  in 
the  ftrange  office  of  embracing  that  fociety  affe^lion- 
ately  with  one  arm,  whilft  he  was  infiifting  the  moft 
cruel  flripes  with  the  other.  Mr.  Giles  took  this  ge- 
neral review  of  the  remarks  made  in  favour  of  the 
propofition,  to  fliew  that  there  was  no  one  clear, 
luminous  principle  upon  which  it  could  be  juftified  ; 
or  if  there  was,  that  different  gentlemen  viewed  ic 
through  very  different  optics.  The  refult  of  thefe 
obfervations  upon  his  mind  was,  that  there  Vv'as  no 
definite  principle  of  juftification  for  the  propofition, 
or  the  good  fenfe  and  ingenuity  of  gentlemen  in  their 
zeal  for  its  adoption  would  have  expofed  it  to  the 
Houfe.  Mr.  Giles  faid  that  having  taken  this  fum- 
mary  view  of  the  fabitantial  part  of  the  arguments 
in  favour  of  the  propofition,  he  fhould  now  (late  his 
objections  to  it,  which  he  hoped  v/ould  be  more 
definite  than  the  arguments  in  fupport  of  ir.  He 
feared  that  this  propofition  would  lay  the  foundation 
of  a  fyjiem  of  denunciation  ;  the  effects  of  v/hich  he 

*  Thefe  interruptions  fhew  the  frequent  difficulty  of  under- 
flanding  exactly  the  meaning  of  a  member,  and  muft  form  aa 
apology  for  fome  errors  when  they  are  to  be  found,  in  thefe 
fketches.  Laft  feffion,  Mr.  Madifon,  in  replying  to  Mr.  S, 
Smith,  was  interrupted  five  times,  for  alleged  mifquoting.  In 
the  end,  he  gave  up  the  attempt  to  reply. 

extremely 


126  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

extremely  deprecated.  As  far  as  he  underftood  tii(S 
doftrine  of  denunciation,  it  effentially  confided  in 
holding  up  to  public  odium,  and  fometimes  to  pub- 
lic vengeance,  eiiher  individuals  or  certain  defcrip- 
tions  of  individuals.  This  was  the  eflence  of  the  pro- 
pofition  before  the  Houfe.  It  feems  to  be  a  literal 
copy  of  the  commencement  and  courfe  of  denunci- 
ation lately  praftifed  in  France.  Its  firft  commence- 
ment in  France  was  upon  certain  f elf -created focities  ^ 
and  individuals  out  of  the  Convention ;  and  after 
producing  the  mod  fanguinary  fcenes  without  the 
limits,  it  at  length  found  its  way  into  the  bofom  of 
the  Convention  itfelf.  No  man's  mind,  however 
perfpicuous,  could  anticipate  all  the  cfFefts  which 
might  refult  from  this  fyftem,  and  he  thought  that 
gentlemen  thenifelves  ought  to  have  had  the  mod 
pofitive  exemption  from  its  common  fataUty,  be- 
fore they  ventured  upon  its  introduftion.  It  is  re- 
ported that  Monfieur  Guillotine  has  become  im- 
mortah-zed  by  the  inftrument  of  his  own  humane  in- 
vention, and  Robefpiere,  the  great  progenitor  of 
denunciation,  has  himfelf  been  denounced.  Rea- 
foning  from  fimilar  caufes,  to  fimilar  effefts,  what 
may  be  expe»51:ed  to  arife  from  fuch  a  fyflem  in  this 
country  ?  If  the  next  fliould  be  a  democratic  repre- 
fentation,  it  may  denounce  the  ariftocrats ;  it  may- 
denounce  the  bank ;  it  may  denounce  the  funding 
fyftem.  It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  gentlemen 
who  have  been  mod  vociferous  in  reprobating  this 
courfe  of  conduft  in  France,  have  been  the  fird  pro- 
pofers  of  it  in  the  United  States ;  for  he  could  fee 
no  difference  in  the  two  cafes,  except  that  in  France 
the  democrats  denounced  the  aridocrats ;  whereas 
in  the  United  States  the  anti-democrats  were  de- 
nouncing the  democrats.  But  he  believed  the  ef- 
fedls  in  either  cafe  would  be  the  fame,  and  are  to 
be  equally  deprecated.      Mr.  Giles  employed,  he 

faid 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  127 

faid,  the  word  anti-democrats,  becaufe  he  believed 
that  the  term  of  ariflocrats  would  not  be  accommo- 
dated to  the  feelings  of  gentlemen.  Mr.  Giles  faid, 
that  from  one  fide  of  the  Houfe  we  had  often  heard 
diforganization,  intemperance,  heat,  raihnefs,  &c. 
applied  to  the  other ;  but  the  two  preceding  days 
would  have  prefented  to  an  impartial  byftander,  a 
curious  contrail  between  the  reprefented  and  the  real 
Jiate  of  things.  Froiii  the  ruffled  declamation  which 
has  been  difplayed,  he  would  probably  have  con- 
ceived that  a  deputation  from  the  National  Convec- 
tion of  the  firll:  rate  denunciators,  had  vifited  tbs 
American  Congrcfs,  and  were  engaged  in  the  full 
exercife  of  their  fun^ions,  or,  as  gentlemen  may  like 
the  comparifon  better,  that  Demofthenes  and  Cicero 
had  re-vifited  the  earth,  and  were  proclaiming  ths 
old  rules  of  eloquence,  Adio !  Adio !  as  the 
highefl  ted  of  truth.  (Here  Mr.  Giles  looked  at 
Mr.  Sedgwick.)  Thefe  ravings  might  affeft  timid 
minds  \  but  they  did  not  produce  the  fpecies  of  con- 
viction, which  was  required  by  the  deliberate,  phi- 
lofophical,  American  politician.  Mr.  Giles  could 
not  help  obferving,  that  the  extraordinary  zeal  and 
agitation  manifefled  by  the  favourers  of  the  propoll- 
tion  convinced  him,  that  it  originated  more  from 
perfonal  irritation,  than  from  the  cool,  deliberate  e7c- 
ercife  of  judgment.  Kc  faid  that  this  fubjccl  had  pre- 
fented itfelf  to  his  mind  in  another  point  of  view.  He 
obferved  that  he  conficered  cenfure  as  a  punilliment. 
To  a  delicate  mind  it  is  the  feverefl:  fort  of  punilli- 
ment, and  in  the  military  and  clerical  codes,  it  is 
the  mofi:  frequent  kind.  It  is  admitted  on  all 
fides  of  the  Houfe  to  be  intended  as  a  punifliment. 
If  this  be  the  cafe  it  is  one  inflifted  under 
the  following  very  extraordinary  circumftances.  It 
is  inflifted  for  the  commiflion  of  an  sft  admitted  to 
be  legal  iu  itfelf.     It  is  arbitrarily  created  after  the 

commiilion 


128  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

commiirion  of  the  aft  for  which  it  is  inflifted.  It  is 
inflifted  without  counfel,  without  evidence,  with- 
out trial  ;  it  operates  on  the  innocent  as  well  as  the 
guilty.  Are  not  all  ihefe  the  higheft  charaderijiks 
of  injujlice  in  the  admin'ijlr aiion  of  jujiice ?  Its  op- 
preffion  and  abfurdiry  do  not  flop  here.  It  con- 
demns the  fame  individuals  as  members  oijelf- created 
focieties,  who  are  applauded  in  this  very  addrefs,  as 
foldiers  of  the  conjiitution  ;  or  in  other  words  it  con- 
demns their  faculties  of  thinking  and  expreffing  their 
thoughts,  and  applauds  their  faculties  of  bearing 
arms  in  defence  of  the  conditution  and  laws.  It 
condemns  their  hearts,  their  heads,  and  their 
tongues,  and  applauds  their  legs,  their  arms,  and 
their  bodies.  It  is  admitted  by  all  that  a  number  of 
the  individuals  both  of  the  Republican  Society  of 
Baltimore,  and  the  Democratic  Society  of  Philadel- 
phia, were  amongft  the  firfl  to  fly  to  the  flandard  of 
the  lav/s  upon  the  late  neceffary  fummons ;  and  that, 
they  were  the  mofl  fleady  friends  of  the  United  States, 
upon  a  more  trying  occafion  ;  the  late  glorious  revo- 
lution. Upon  thefe  individuals  will  not  the  cenfure 
contained  in  the  proportion  operate  as  has  been 
flated  ?  If  it  will,  what  apology  can  this  Houfe  make 
for  the  injury  and  injuftice  done  to  the  feelings  of 
individuals  thus  charafterized  ?  He  could  eafily  fee 
their  claims  to  an  apology,  but  he  believed  ingenu- 
ity itfelf  could  not  devife  a  competent  one.  To  put 
the  injuftice  in  a  more  glaring  point  of  view,  he 
begged  to  be  permitted  to  perfonify  a  charadcr  of 
this  defcription,  challenging  the  cruelty  and  injuftice 
of  the  cenfure  :  I  am  the  child  of  the  United  States : 
I  have  braved  the  toils  and  perils  of  the  moft  glori- 
ous and  hazardous  revolution :  1  have  demeaned 
myfelf  according  to  the  rules  of  condu6l  marked  out 
by  yourfelves.  I  appeal  to  the  law  to  attejl  my  inno- 
cence ;  'jou  admit  the  jujiice  of  that  appeal :  I  have 
4  at 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  129 

at  all  times  fpokcn  ray  fentimenis  and  aiTerted  the 
rights  of  a  freeman  ;  I  have  iifed  the  invaluable  privi- 
lege of  the  prefs,  and  thus  proclaimed  my  real  opinion 
to  my  fellow  citizens ;  I  may  have  been  miflaken  ;  I 
have  flown  to  the  ftandard  of  the  laws  upon  the 
fummons  of  my  country  ;  wherefore  am  I  cenfured  ; 
wherefore  am  I  punifhed  ?  He  hoped  that  fome 
gentleman,  who  advifed  the  propofition,  would  pro- 
pofe  an  apology  for  its  effefts.  This  cafe,  he  was 
fure,  demanded  an  apology. 

Mr.  Giles  proceeded  to  remark,  that  the  propo- 
fition feemed  to  him  objectionable  ip  another  point  of 
view;  he  thought  it  would  be  deemed  an  infult  upon 
the  public  mind.  It  was  alTuming  the  office  of  judg- 
ing exclufively,  upon  the  tendency  of  meafiires  and 
opinions.  This  he  confideved  as  an  encroachment 
upon  the  rights  referved  to  the  people.  He  faid, 
that  in  the  diftribution  of  rights  between  the  rulers 
and  ruled,  certain  rights  v/ere  granted,  and  certain 
rights  retained.  He  thought  the  cenforial  power 
one  of  the  mofl  invaluable  of  the  referved  rights,  and 
it  ought  not  to  be  invaded,  upon  any  pretence  what- 
ever. If  the  government  fhould  wreft  from  the 
people  the  right  of  cenfuring  its  proceedings,  under 
the  particular  modification  of  felf-created  focieties, 
he  could  not  fee  any  barrier  fufficiently  (Irong  and 
delicate,  to  afford  complete  proteftion  to  any  other 
modification  of  expreffing  cenfurable  opinions  againd 
the  proceedings  of  government.  The  principle,  if 
purfued,  would  invade  the  rights  of  electors  in  chu- 
fing  their  reprefentatives.  T'he  eleftions  will  gene- 
rally turn  upon  the  merit  or  demerit  of  the  former 
reprefentative.  This  will  be  telled  by  the  good  or 
the  bad  meafures,  to  which,  in  the  opinion  of  his  con- 
fiitiients^  he  may  have  given  his  afi'ent :  of  courfe  the 
meafures  of  government  muft  come  into  difcuffion  ; 
and  the  people  have  as  much  right  to  cenfure  as 

K  to 


13©  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

to  applaud  ;  or,  in  other  words,  they  have  a  right 
to  exercife  their  opinions  under  any  modification  they 
may  think  proper,  provided  fuch  exercife  be  conform- 
able to  the  laws.  Gentlemen  have  faid,  that  in  def- 
potic  governments,  felf-created  focieties  are  eflen- 
tially  neceffary,  but  in  a  government  organized  like 
that  of  the  United  States,  they  are  not  fo.  He  would 
not  deny  the  truth  of  this  remark,  but  would  a£k, 
who  are  to  judge  of  this  necefTity  ?  The  government, 
or  the  people  ?  If  the  government  are  to  judge  of 
the  neceffiiy,  the  right  of  the  people  is  elTentially 
annihilated.  Admiting  a  government  to  be  corrupt, 
is  there  any  probability  of  its  notifying  the  people  of 
its  own  corruption  ?  Will  there  ever  be  a  time  when 
its  adminiftrators  will  fay  to  the  people,  "  now  we 
are  corrupt,  now  is  your  time  for  forming  yourfelves 
into  focieties,  to  protcft  your  own  liberties  againfl: 
our  encroachments  ?"  On  the  other  hand,  the  more 
corrupt  a  government  is,  the  greater  will  be  the 
ftimulus  to  concealment.  Mr.  Giles  faid,  the  true 
balls  of  the  cenforial  power  was  the  difcretion  of  the 
people,  and  he  believed,  in  the  United  States,  there 
was  no  danger  from  its  exercife.  Gentlemen  have 
faid,  that  democratic  focieties  are  unpopular,  that 
they  are  viewed  with  contempt  by  the  people  :  ad- 
mit the  faft,  and  v/hence  the  neceffity  or  propri- 
ety of  the  interference  of  the  Houfe  of  Reprefen- 
tatives.  The  public  mind  feems  to  be  engaged  in  its 
office  of  making  a  judicious  decifion,  upon  the  ne- 
celTity  of  fuch  inftitutions,  in  the  prefent  ftate  of 
things ;  why  then  tamper  with  its  courfe  of  pro- 
ceedings ?  Mr.  Giles  faid  the  conditution  of  the 
United  States  had  marked  out  our  duties ;  they  con- 
fided eflentially  in  legiflation.  There  was  in  the 
Houfe  of  Reprefentatives  a  depofitum  of  cenforial 
power.  This,  however,  was  confined  to  the  agents 
or  officers  of  government,  and  the  remedy  of  the 

there 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  131 

Houfe  confifled  in  impeachment ;  but  he  believed 
there  was  no  authority  given  in  the  conftitution  of 
exercifmg  the  cenforial  power  over  our  conftituents, 
or  any  defcription  of  them.  He  faid  he  thought  it 
degrading  the  majefly  of  the  people,  that  the  repre- 
fentative  body  fliould  for  a  moment  abandon  the 
exercife  of  its  great  legiflative  funftions,  and  enter 
into  a  fyftera  of  crimination  and  recrimination,  with 
any  felf-created  focieties  whatever.  He  faid,  if  the 
Houfe  jirovoked  recrimination,  they  would  manifefl: 
their  impotency,  by  their  acknowledged  incompe- 
tency to  legiilate  upon  the  fubje£t ;  but  Mr.  Giles 
faid,  that  the  traiifitlon  from  a  power  to  cenfure,  to 
a  pozuer  to  legijlate^  was  extremely  eafy,  and  he  cau- 
tioned gentlemen  from  giving  into  the  one  principle, 
under  the  idea,  that  the  other  would  never  be  called 
into  aftion.  He  believed  himfelf  if  Congrefs  under- 
took to  cenfure,  they  would  undertake  to  legiilate. 
With  refpeft  to  the  right  of  cenfuring,  gentlemen 
had  remarked,  that  as  individuals  we  polfelTed  that 
right,  and  of  courfe  as  a  collective  body.  Mii  Giles 
faid  that  this  was  abandoning  the  doftrine  of  polTef- 
fing  the  right  in  our  organized  or  conftituted  capa- 
city, and  was  felf-creating  ourfelves  into  a  fociety  quo 
ad  this  particular  purpofe ;  under  the  influence  of 
this  doftrine,  we  fiiouid  be  as  much  a  felf-created 
fociety  quo  ad  this  particular  purpofe,  as  any  demo- 
cratic fociety  in  the  United  States,  for  the  purpofes 
of  its  inftitution  ;  but  we  are  not  called  upon  to  a6l 
in  our  individual  capacities,  we  are  called  upon  to  act 
in  our  organized  capacity.  He  hoped  the  doctrine  of 
felf-creating  ourfelves  into  a  fociety,  and  avoiding  the 
exercife  of  our  conftituted  functions,  would  not  be 
approved  by  a  majority  of  the  Houfe.  Gentlemen 
have  aflced,  if  democratic  focieties  be  permitted  to 
cenfure  the  proceedings  of  government,  without  a 
correfpondent  cenfure  from  the  government,  how 
K  2  will 


132  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

will  government  protect  itfelf  ?  To  this  interrogatory 
the  anfwer  is  eafy.  If  thefe  focieties  a£l  illegally,  the 
individuals  compofing  them  are  punifhable  by  law* 
The  alTumption  of  a  corporate  name,  will  not  excul- 
pate the  individual  offence.  If  they  do  not  aft  illegally^ 
or  in  other  words,  if  they  only  exercife  a  right,  which 
\sproteded  by  the  law,  they  ought  not  to  be  puniflied. 
But  this  is  not  the  only  proteftion.  In  this,  as  in 
every  other  afiault,  the  proteftion  of  the  government 
raufl:  reft  upon  the  difcretion  of  the  public  mind. 
That  is  the  only  juft  and  folid  foundation  and  fupport 
of  every  government.  Make  wholefome  laws,  and 
the  public  mind  will  afford  a  proteftion,  againfl  all  the 
democratic  focieties  upon  earth.  Mr.  Giles  faid  he 
had  now  arrived  at  a  part  of  the  fubjeft,  which 
appeared  to  him  extremely  interefting.  It  refpefted 
the  particular  fubjed  matter  or  caufe  of  the  cenfure 
propofed  to  be  pronounced.  It  propofed  to  cenfure 
or  punifh  for  the  tendency  of  opinions,  pronounced 
through  the  medium  of  the  prefs.  It  Ihould  be  ob- 
ferved,  that  under  this  principle,  good  opinions  may 
be  as  much  fubjeft  to  cenfure,  as  bad  opinions  ;  fmce 
good  opinions  may  be  wrongly  applied,  or  in  other 
words,  fuay  have  a  bad  tendency.  Opinion,  whether 
founded  in  truth  or  in  error,  is  a  property  which 
every  individual  polfefTes,  and  which,  in  this  country, 
he  is  at  liberty  to  addrefs  to  the  public,  through  the 
medium  of  the  prefs.  Any  interference  with  the 
exercife  of  this  right,  he  thought  muft  terminate  in 
the  complete  deftruftion  of  the  liberty  of  the  prefs. 
If  the  principle  be  once  eftabliflied,  he  faw  no  com- 
petent barrier  of  proteftion.  This  refleftion,  he  faid, 
manifefted  the  peculiar  delicacy  of  the  propoiition, 
and  the  hazard  of  interfering  with  the  exercife  and 
exprejfwn  of  opinim,  under  any  modification  whatever, 
Mr.  Giles  faid  the  rights  of  thinking  and  fpeaking 
were  too  well  undcrftood,  and  too  highly  valued,  in 

without 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  133 

the  United  States,  to  receive  the  flightefl  wound, 
without  exciting  the  public  attention.  Opinion  is 
elajlic;  it  will  furnilh  a  refiftance  equal  to  the  pref- 
fure  it  may  receive.  Gpinion  isfympatbetic ;  it  interefts 
on  its  fide  every  individual  who  values  its  exercife. 
To  avoid  this  hazard,  the  unpopularity  of  democratic 
focieties  has  been  relied  upon.  It  {hould  not  be  for- 
gotten, that  in  the  United  States  the  rights  of  every 
man  and  every  fociety  are  popular.  The  rights  of 
opinion^  or  of  thinkings  and  fpeaking^  and  pubiif}ymg^ 
2.Yefacred.  It  is  a  bold  experiment,  to  attack  a  right 
becaufe  the  poffcfjlr  is  unpopular.  The  refhraint  or 
fupprcffion  of  opinion,  under  one  modification,  will 
equally  apply  to  all  others.  The  principle  propofed 
to  be  eftablidied  in  this  cafe,  will  equally  expofe  every 
individual,  and  every  fociety  to  cenfure  or  punifjjmenf, 
for  the  exercife  and  expreiTion  of  opinion.  They  will 
therefore  fympathize  with  the  injured  right,  in  this 
cafe,  though  they  may  defpife  the  poifeffor  of  it. 
This  fympathy  will  be  ftrengthened  by  the  flrongeft 
of  all  motives,  the  motive  of f elf -defence.  Mr.  Giles 
requefled  gentlemen  to  look  at  the  obvious  confe- 
quences  of  what  they  were  doing.  It  had  been  faid, 
[looking  at  Mr.  Sedgwick,^  that  this  vote  of  cenfure 
would  fink  the  focieties.  They  were  tumbling  into 
dud  and  contempt.  Why,  in  the  newfpapers  of  this 
very  morning,  a  meeting  was  advenifed  for  to-mor- 
row night.  This  was  the  natural  progrefs  of  things. 
Here  Mr.  Giles  explained  the  apparent  profpeft  that 
the  newfpapers  will  prefently  be  fuifocated  with  co- 
lumns of  votes,  refolutions,  and  epiftolary  lumber  of 
all  forts.  [This  was  the  exaft  meaning  of  two  or 
three  fcntences  delivered  by  the  member.  1  Mr.  Giles 
then  dated  an  important  didinciion.  Many  people, 
\vho  condemn  the  proceedings  of  the  democratic 
focieties,  yet  will  not  chufe  to  fee  them  diveded  of 
the  unalienable  privilege  of  thinking,  of  fpeaking,  of 

K  3  writing. 


134  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

writin:^,  and  of  printing.  Perfons  may  condemn  the 
abufe  in  exercifing  a  right,  and  yet  feel  the  ftrongeft 
fympafhy  zvitb  the  right  it/elf.  Can  it  be  prcfumed, 
that  a  nation,  which  has  toafted  Muir,  Palmer,  and 
Margarot,  from  the  one  end  to  the  other,  merely 
becaufe  they  have  fallen  the  viftims  of  opinion,  under 
the  fe?nblance  of  judicial  decifions,  will  not  fympathifc 
with  that  injured  right  in  this  country,  which  is 
propofed  to  be  attacked,  not  only  without  a  judicial 
decifton^  but  with  an  admijffion  of  its  Jlrid  legality  ? 
Mr.  Giles  faid  that  the  diftin^lion  between  they^^r^-^- 
nefs  of  the  right,  and  the  unpopularity  of  its  pofjejfor, 
was  too  obvious  not  to  ilrike  the  public  mind  in  a 
moment ;  and  he  thought  it  extremely  unwife  to  lay 
the  foundation  of  jufl:  alarm  to  the  people,  in  the 
prefent  a^itated  (late  of  things.  There  was  another 
view  of  the  propofiiion,  which  furnillied  a  ftrong 
objeftion  to  it.  No  evidence  appeared  of  the  faft 
contained  in  it.  There  was  but  one  official  paper 
concerning  the  queftion  before  t-he  Houfe.  That  was 
the  report  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treafury  to  the 
Prefident  of  the  United  States.  That  paper  dates 
the  refinance  of  the  law  at  the  moment  of  its  paffing. 
This  was  at  a  period  anterior  to  the  exiftence  of 
democratic  focieties  in  the  United  States.  The  rea- 
fon  why  that  refiftance  did  not  break  out  into  infur- 
redion,  at  ihe  fame  moment,  feems  to  have  been  the 
forbearance  of  the  government  to  prefs  the  execution 
of  the  law.  Even  before  the  palTage  of  the  excife 
law,  by  the  United  States,  it  is  known  that  the  fame 
people  refifted,  and  fuccefsfully,  the  execution  of  a 
iimilar  law,  pafTed  by  the  ftate  of  Penfylvania.  It  is 
known,  that  the  prejudices  of  the  people,  againfl: 
excife  fyftems,  were  made  an  argument  againfl  the 
paffing  of  the  aft,  and  an  eventual  oppofition  to  its 
execution  then  was,  predifted :  the  infurreftion  is  a 
verification  of  that  prediftion.     Mr.  Giles  believed 

that 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  135 

that  there  would  have  been  an  open  refillance  to  the 
excife  law,  in  that  part  of  the  United  States,  though 
there  had  not  been  a  democratic  fociety  in  exiftence. 
Although  he  was  averfe  from  the  extenfion  of  the 
cxcifc  fyftem,  it  is  known  that  he  had  always  confi- 
dered  the  fubjed  of  the  exifting  excife,  as  a  fuffi- 
cient  ground  of  exemption  from  the  general  rule ; 
that  he  fliould  have  voted  for  the  a6l,  if  it  had  been 
limited  to  a  certain  duration,  which  he  deemed  an 
effential  quality  in  all  tax-laws.  That  it  was  the 
perpetuity  of  the  acl,  and  not  the  tax  itfelf,  which 
formed  his  objeftion.  Of  courfe^  even  his  former 
opinions  could  receive  no  gratification  from  the 
refiftance  it  had  received  in  its  execution :  but  the 
remarks  he  had  made,  he  confidered  as  an  obligation 
to  truth.  Mr.  Giles  faid,  that  the  democratic  focie- 
ties  had  denounced  the  infurreftion,  and  as  a  tefti- 
mony  of  their  earneflnefs  in  the  a£l,  many  of  the 
members,  if  he  were  rightly  informed,  had  aftually 
marched  to  fupprefs  it.  The  people  in  the  four 
weflern  counties  of  Pennfylvania,  have  been  repre- 
fented  as  more  unenlightened,  than  in  any  other  part 
of  the  United  States.  He  believed  this  to  be  the 
cafe,  and  he  fhould  infer  from  that  circumftance, 
that  they  would  be  the  lad  to  be  operated  upon  by 
the  tendency  of  opinions,  pronounced  through  the 
medium  of  the  prefs.  It  is  not  abflraft  opinions, 
whether  true  or  falfe,  which  give  rife  to  infurreftion. 
It  muft  be  fomething  which  touches  the  interefts  of 
individuals.  Ignorant  men  particularly,  are  the  mod 
carelefs  of  the  truth  or  falfehood  of  abftra<R:  opinions, 
but  they  are  the  mod  apt  to  obey  their  feelings  with- 
out regarding  the  confequenccs.  Hence  he  was  in- 
clined to  think  that  the  open  refinance  of  the  excife 
law,  arofe  from  nothing  more  or  lef?,  than  a  demand 
it  contained  for  contribution  which  they  were  un- 
willing to  pay.     Mr.  Giles  faid  he  had  heretofore 

K  4  avoided 


13(5  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

avoided  entering  fully  into  the  difculTion  of  this  part 
of  the  fubjeft,  from  a  regard  to  the  exifting  (late  of 
things  ;  but  he  fliould  now  remark,  that  he  believed 
that  the  funding  fyftem  was  the  real  fource  of  all  the 
difcontents  in  the  United  States.  It  has  divided  the 
community  into  two  great  defcriptions  of  perfons, 
P^JI^Jf^'^Z  differ ejtt  inierefti ;  the  debtor  and  creditor* 
It  contains  a  quality  tending  to  perpetuate  the  debt, 
upon  the  debtor^  and  was  viewed  by  fome  as  a  necef- 
fary  machine  of  government.  This  he  thought 
oppreffive  and  unjuft ;  and  he  believed  it  was  this 
fyftem  which  gave  rife  to  democratic  focieties,  and 
furniihed  the  food  upon  which  they  fubfifted.  He 
faid  he  believed  that  this  was  the  real  fore  upon  the 
body  politic,  and  it  was  no  wonder  the  patient  ftiould 
wince,  when  the  phyfician  was  probing.  Mr.  Giles 
faid  the  remedy  which  he  would  propofe  for  this  evil, 
was  to  pay  the  debt  honeftly,  and  as  fpeedily  as  poffi- 
ble,  and  it  would  deftroy  the  very  fubfiftence  of  demo- 
cratic focieties.  He  declared  he  would  give  his  vote 
for  any  means  to  effeft  that  end.  Mr.  Giles  faid 
that  the  Prefident  ftrongly  inculcated  this  meafure, 
jSindi  he  believed  it  was  a  more  fubftantial  remedy 
againft  the  danger  of  democratic  focieties,  than  any 
crimination  whatever.  It  had  yeflerday  been  alleged, 
as  the  very  worft  trait  in  the  character  of  democratic 
focieties,  that  they  began  their  bufmefs  after  dinner j 
bolted  thdr  doors,  and  voted  in  the  dark.  This  was 
a  very  alarming  and  deteftable  fpecies  of  conduct:. 
Whether  the  accufation  was  true  or  not,  Mr.  Giles 
could  not  tell,  from  perfonal  knowledge,  for  he 
knew  nothing  about  thefe  focieties,  unlefs  by  report. 
"  But,  Mr.  Chairman,"  faid  he,  pointing  to  the  roof 
of  the  room,  *'  Is  there  no  other  place  ivhere  people 
bolt  their  doors,  and  "wte  in  the  dark?  Is  there  not  a 
branch  of  the  Legiflature  which  tranfafts  its  bufmefs 
in  this  way .?  and,  while  things  are  fo,  does  it  be- 

conae 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  137 

come  tis  to  cenfure  other  people  for  'voting  in  the 
dark?'*  He  thought  it  extremely  ftrange,  that  the 
gentlemen  who  applauded  this  conduB  in  one  body  of 
men,  ihould  vociferoufly  condemn  the  fame  condud 
in  another.  A  little  impartiality,  he  thought,  would 
reftify  this  diftinflion.  But,  admitting  that  the  demo- 
cratic focicties  hud  abufed  their  rights  and  privileges, 
it  could  furniili  no  argument  againft  the  ufe  of  them. 
There  was  hardly  an  enjoyment  in  life,  which  was 
not  abufed  ;  but  it  would  be  a  diftreffing  thing,  to  be 
deprived  of  the  ufe  of  many  of  them.  Mr.  Giles 
faid,  he  had  upon  this,  as  upon  other  occafions, 
delivered  his  feniiments  with  candor.  That  he  was 
fenfible  he  had  been  calumniated  for  obferving  a 
fmiilar  conduft  before,  but  he  flionld  perfevere  in 
that  conduft  which  his  judgment  taught  him  to  be 
right,  and  ftiould  difdain  to  condefcend  to  any  further 
explanation.  Mr.  Giles  faid,  that  upon  this  quefrion, 
he  admitted  he  might  be  raiftaken,  although  he 
thought  it  exhibited  the  mod  ftriking  and  palpable 
features  ;  but,  if  he  fliould  be  miflaken,  thefe  were 
his  confolations.  He  doubted  whether  the  Prefident 
required  an  echo  of  this  fentiment,  in  the  latitude 
required  by  the  proportion  ;  for,  in  fpeaking  of  felf- 
created  focietics,  in  the  firfl  of  his  fpeech,  he  feems 
to  confine  them  to  the  four  weftern  counties  of  Penn- 
fylvania.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  fpeech,  when  he 
fpeaks  more  generally,  his  addrefs  is  to  every  defcrip- 
tion  of  citizens.  He  begged  gentlemen  to  turn  to 
that  part  of  the  fpeech,  to  tcft  ihe  correflnefs  of  the 
remark.  But  if  he  were  fo  unfortunate  as  to  differ 
from  the  Prefident  in  opinion  upon  this  queftion, 
he  had  a  fource  of  confolation  in  his  liberality. 
The  Prefident  himfelf  will  admit,  that  there  is  no 
incompatibility  between  the  higheft  veneration  for 
his  charafter,  and  affectionate  regard  for  his  perfon, 
and  a  difference  from  him  in  a  matter  of  political 

opinion. 


138  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

opinion.  He  faid  he  fliould  be  confoled  with  the 
reflexion,  that  he  had  ftepped  forth  againft  the  firft 
effort  to  reftrain  or  abridge  the  liberty  of  the  prefs 
under  any  modifications  whatever ;  that  if  he  fhould 
have  mifconceived  the  tendency  of  the  propofition 
in  abridging  the  exercife  of  opinion,  he  ftiould  ftill 
refle^l  that  it  is  dreffed  in  an  uniform  fo  nnuch  like 
the  enemy  of  opinion,  that  his  optics  could  not  difcri- 
minate  the  one  from  the  other.  He  fhonld  confole 
himfelf  with  the  idea,  that  from  commencing  and 
progreffing  in  this  courfe  of  denunciation,  great  mif- 
chiefs  7nay  arife ;  but  when  the  utility  of  the  impo- 
tent propofnion  is  called  for,  ingenuity  itfelf  vaniflies 
in  the  attempt  to  fliow  it.  Mr.  Giles  concluded  by 
declaring,  that  if  he  had  upon  the  prefent  occafion, 
overflepped  the  bounds  of  his  habitual  calmnefs,  he 
was  forty  for  it  and  wiihed  to  apologize  to  the  com- 
mittee ;  but  that  his  warmth  arofe  from  his  profound 
aftonifliment  at  the  imprudence  of  agitating  the  pre- 
fent amendment.  Whatever  might  be  the  ftyle  of 
his  delivery,  he  had  not  uttered  a  fingle  idea  which 
was  not  produced  by  deliberate  reflection  and  by 
honefl  conviftion. 

Mr.  Boudinot  thought  that  fpeakers  had  wandered 
from  their  proper  line  of  argument.  If  any  byftan- 
der  had  come  into  the  Houfe  to  hear  the  debates 
of  this  day,  without  a  previous  knowledge  of  the 
point  in  difpute,  it  would  have  been  impofllble  for 
him  even  to  conjefture  what  queftion  was  before  the 
committee.  It  had  been  faid  that  we  ought  not  to 
cenfure  where  we  cannot  punifli.  By  the  fame  rule 
we  ought  not  to  approve  where  we  cannot  reward. 
It  was  urged  that  if  Democratic  Societies  are  unlaw- 
ful, we  ought  to  punifli  them,  but  if  otherwife  we 
ought  to  let  them  alone.  Mr.  Boudinot  denied  this 
axiom.  Many  things  were  extremely  defcrving  of 
cenfure  which  it  was  impoffible  to  punifli.  He  Rated, 

as 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  139 

as  a  point  in  law,  that  if  a  pcrfon  were  to"call  him 
a  rafcal  and  a  villain,  an  aftion  would  not  lye,  un- 
lefs  he  could  fpecify  an  injury  fufFered  by  this  affer- 
tion.  He  employed  as  an  argument  againfl  the 
whole  oppofition  to  the  original  amendment,  that  no 
focieties  were  included  in  this  cenfure  but  fuch  as 
were  guilty.  Self-created  focieties  had  done  fuch 
and  fuch  a  thing  ;  but  the  Prefident  neither  faid  nor 
intended  to  fay,  nor  was  it  poflible  to  raifmterpret 
his  words  into  an  intention  of  faying,  that  all  felf- 
created  focieties  had  been  partners  in  exciting  the 
weftern  infurre6lion.  The  amendment  therefore  in- 
cluded nothing  like  an  indifcriminate  cenfure,  for  it 
was  levelled  only  at  the  guilty.  Hence  the  whole 
reafoning  of  the  gentlemen,  on  the  oppofite'  fide  of 
the  queftion  was  entirely  out  of  place.  Gentlemen 
proceeded  upon  an  utter  mifapplication.  It  was 
afked  what  good  would  follow  from  this  vote  of  cen- 
fure !  Mr.  Boudinot  forefaw  fubftantial  advantages. 
It  would  operate  as  a  warning  both  to  the  focieties 
themfelves,  and  to  other  citizens  of  the  United  States. 
Mr.  Boudinot  ftrongly  preiTed  the  impropriety  of 
diiTenting  from  the  Prefident. 

Mr.  Scott  and  Mr.  Ames  were  both  up  at  the 
fame  time.  The  latter  gentleman  immediately  fat 
down  again.  Mr.  Scott  began  by  obferving  that  he 
had  lived  for  twenty-five  years  in  the  very  midft  of 
the  place  (Wafliington  county),  where  the  infurrec- 
tion  broke  out.  He  knew  that  there  were  felf-cre- 
ated  focieties  in  that  part  of  the  country,  and  he 
likewife  knew  that  they  had  inflamed  the  infurrec- 
tion  ;  for  fome  of  the  leaders  of  tbofe  focieties  had 
likewife  been  leaders  of  the  riots.  The  fpeech 
of  the  Prefident,  and  the  letter  from  the  Secretary 
of  the  Treafury,  were  in  every  particular  Jlriclly 
true.  Mr.  Scott  himfelf,  who  was  in  the  midft  of 
the  whole  fcene,  could  not  have  given  a  more  can- 
did 


140  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

did  and  accurate  account  of  it  than  that  of  the  Prefi- 
dent  and  Mr.  Hamilton.  "Whether  other  democra- 
tical  focieties,  befides  thofe  in  the  four  weftern  coun- 
ties, had  affiited  in  kindhng  the  difturbances,  Mr. 
Scott  could  not  fay.  Their  publications  we  have  all 
feen.  Farther  Mr.  Scott  knew  nothing,  and  thus 
far  every  member  knew  as  much  as  himfelf.  Before 
he  fat  down,  there  was  one  point  which  he  anxioufiy 
preiTed  upon  the  Houfc ;  and  this  was,  that  thefe 
deluded  people  were  objefts  of  real  pity.  They 
were  in  the  firft  place  grofsly  ignorant,  and  they 
had  been  perfuaded,  by  an  utmofl:  diligence  of  fedi- 
tion,  that  the  American  government  was,  even  in 
theory,  the  very  word  in  the  world,  and  next,  that 
in  practice  it  was  executed  much  worfe  than  any 
other  government  under  the  fun.  Mr.  Scott  ob- 
ferved  that  when  people  had  got  this  length  in 
abfurdity,  it  was  not  difficult  to  make  thera  fight 
againfl  fuch  a  government. 

Mr.  Ames  began  with  expreffing  his  pleafure  that 
he  had  fat  down,  to  give  way  for  Mr.  Scott  ro  fpeak; 
but  this  every  one  muft  fee  was  attended  with  a  per- 
fonal  facrifice ;  as  it  was  manifedly  a  difadvantage 
to  bring  forward  his  obfervations  immediately  after 
thofe  of  that  gentleman,  becaufe  they  were  too  re- 
markable for  their  pertinence  and  ftrength  to  encou- 
rage the  attempts  of  their  opponents  to  invalidate, 
or  his  own  to  enforce  them.  He  requefted  Mr. 
Giles,  and  he  urged  it  ftrongly  on  the  Houfe,  to 
confider  maturely  how  large  a  part  of  the  argument 
he  had  to  anfwer.  Mr.  Giles  had  been  occupied  in 
refuting  what  nobody  had  alTerted,  and  in  proving 
what  nobody  had  denied.  It  would  appear  to  every 
perfon,  at  a  glance,  that,  after  fo  large  a  dedu6lion 
Ihould  be  made,  the  advocate  of  the  amendment 
would  be  left  almofl  without  an  adverfary.  He  ob- 
ferved,  ii  would  be  amuling,  and  not  without  its 

ufes. 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  141 

ufes,  to  turn  a  moment  from  the  debate,  to  enquire 
what  would  be  faid  of  yefterday*s  decifion.  Fame 
already  bears  it  on  all  her  wings,  and  proclaims  it 
with  all  her  tongues,  that  Congrefs  has  been  en- 
gaged in  trying  the  democratic  clubs ;  and  curiofity 
Sands  a  tiptoe  on  all  our  pod  roads  for  the  anfwer, 
which  is  already  gone  fonh.  Forty-feven  members 
were  for  the  ciubs,  and  forty-five  againfl  them,  fo 
that  the  clubs  gained  the  viftory.  Is  this  true  ?  "  I 
"  dare  appeal,'*  faid  Mr.  Ames,  to  you,  Sir,  and 
*'  to  every  other  patriotic  bofom,  that  it  is  not  true; 
"  a  large  majority,  and  I  may  even  fay,  with  pride 
"  and  pleafure,  almoil  all  the  members  who  hear 
*'  me,  defpife  and  abominate  the  clubs  as  fincerely 
"  as  the  words  of  the  Prcfident's  fpeech,  the  anfwer 
**  of  the  Senate,  his  reply  to  them,  or  the  amend- 
"  ment  now  before  us  can  imply  it.'*  How  happens 
it,  that  the  real  fentiments  of  the  Houfe  are  fo  much 
mifreprefented  by  the  vote  ?  I  (hall  be  pardoned  if  I 
undertake  to  explain  this  enigma.  Two  reafons 
have  been  fuggcfted  in  private  converfation,  as  well 
as  in  debate,  which  will  account  for  the  vote  of  yef- 
terday,  and  which,  on  being  dated  and  re-examined, 
will  afford  good  caufe  for  changing  it  to  day.  The 
firfl:  is,  that  we  have  nothing  to  do  with  the  ciubs. 
We  hold  them  in  too  much  contempt  to  have  any 
thing  to  fay  to  them,  or  about  them.  They  are  not 
worth  notice.  This  contempt  had  the  appearance 
yefterday  of  countenance  and  patronage.  The  other 
motive  fuggefted  is,  if  the  '^oxdiS.felf'Createdfocieties 
ftiould  be  (truck  out,  the  amendment  will  (till  contain 
the  fubftance  of  the  propofuion  contended  for ; 
which  is  to  reprobate  the  combinaiio?is  of  men  againft 
law.  This  defcription  v;ill  include  the  clubs,  as 
well  as  any  other  wicked  combinations  that  have  had 
any  agency  in  the  infurredion.  How  far  the  one 
or  the  other  of  thefe  motives  ought  to  influence 

thofe 


142  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

thofe  who  have  entertained  them  to  vote  agalnfl:  the 
amendment  for  inferting  tht  words  felf-created  foci' 
eties  and,  will  appear  by  a  furvey'of  the  true  pofture 
of  the  queftion. 

Here  Mr.  Ames  flated,  that  it  was  the  duty  of 
the  Prefident,  by  the  conftitution,  to  inform  Con- 
grefs  of  the  ftate  of  the  Union  ;    that  he  had  ac- 
cordingly in  his  fpeech  ftated  the  infurreftion  and 
the  caufe  that   he   thought,    had   brought  it  on. 
Among  thefe,  he  explicitly  reckons  the  felf-created 
focieties  and  combinations  of  men  to  be  one.     The 
Senate  as  plainly  charge  that  as  one  of  the  caufes. 
The  Prefident,  in  his  reply  to  the  Senate,  exprelfes 
his  high  fatisfaftion  that  they  concur  with  him  in 
opinion.     Mr.  Ames  then  read  the  paffages  in  the 
fpeech,  addrefs,  and   anfwer  to  the  addrefs.     He 
faid  further  that  an  amendment  was  now  offered  to 
the  Houfe,  expreifed,  as  nearly  as  may  be,  in  the 
very  words  of  the  Prefident ;  an  objedion  is  urged 
againfl  this  amendment  that  the  propofition  contain- 
ed in  it  is  not  true  in  faft.     It  is  alfo  faid,  that  al- 
though it  were  true,  it  would  be  dangerous  to  liber- 
ty, to  aiTent  to  it  in  our  anfwer  to  the  fpeech.     It  is 
moreover,  fay  they,  improper,  unneceflary  and  in- 
decent to  mention  the  felf-created  focieties.     The 
amendment  now  urged  upon  the  houfe  has  been  put 
to  vote  in  the  committee  of  the  whole  Houfe,  and 
rejefted.     What  will  the  world  fay,  and  that  too 
from  the  evidence  of  our  own  records,  if  we  reje£l 
it  again  in  the  Houfe  ?  Will  it  not  be  proclaimed 
that  we  rejeft  the  motion  and  give  force  and  validity 
to  the  objeftions  ?  Do  we  adopt  fuch  objections  ?  Are 
the  committee  confenting  to  the  (hame  of  having 
them  charged  upon  the  committee  as  the  principles 
by  which  they  have  guided  our  decifion  ?  We  are 
nor,  Mr.  Ames  was  fure,  we  are  not,  for  with  a 
very    few   exceptions,    I   wifli    there   were   none, 

both 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  143 

both  fides  have  united  in  reprobating  the  felf-created 
focieties.  Surely  then,  gentlemen  will  not  hefuatc 
to"  refcind  a  vote  which  is  not  lefs  deceptive  than  it  is 
pernicious  ?  For  if  we  adopt  the  amendment  it  will 
appear  that  all  the  branches  of  the  government  are 
agreed  in  fentiraent.  If  we  rejeft  it,  what  will  it 
proclaim  lefs  than  imbecility  and  difcord  ?  What  will 
faftion  interpret  it  to  import  fhort  of  this.  "  The 
Prefident  and  Senate  have  denounced  xhe  felf-created 
focieties  alluded  to  in  the  fpeech,  and  this  Houfe 
has  (lept  forward  for  their  protection.'*  Befides  the 
unfpeakable  diflionour  of  this  patronage,  is  it  not 
rekindling  the  fire-brands  of  fedition,  is  it  not  un- 
chaining the  dennon  of  anarchy  ?  Few  as  the  apolo- 
gifts  of  the  clubs  have  been,  the  folemnity  and  per- 
feverance  of  their  appeal  to  principles  demand  for  it 
an  examination. 

The  right  to  form  political  clubs  has  been  urged, 
as  if  it  had  been  denied.  It  is  not  however,  the 
right  to  meet,  it  is  the  abufe  of  the  right,  after  they 
have  met,  that  is  charged  upon  them.  Town  meet- 
ings are  authcrifed  by  law,  yet  they  may  be  called 
for  feditious  or  treafonable  purpofes.  The  legal 
right  of  the  voters  in  that  cafe  would  be  an  aggra- 
vation not  an  excufe  for  the  oiFence.  But  if  perfons 
meet  in  a  club  with  an  intent  to  obftruft  the  laws, 
their  meeting  is  no  longer  innocent  or  legal :  it  is  a 
crime.  The  neceffity  for  forming  clubs  has  been 
alleged  with  fome  plaufibility  in  favour  of  all  the 
ftates  except  New  England,  bccaufe  town-meetings 
are  little  known  and  not  practicable  in  a  thinly  fet- 
tled country.  (Mr.  Ames  here  alluded  to  what  had 
been  yefterday  faid  by  Mr.  Parker).  But  if  people 
have  grievances,  are  they  to  be  brought  to  a  know- 
ledge of  them  only  by  clubs.  Clubs  may  find  out 
more  complaints  againft  the  laws,  than  the  fufferers 
thcrafelves  had  dreamed  of.     The  number  of  thofe 

which 


144  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

which  a  man  will  learn  from  his  own  and  his  neigh- 
bour's experience  will  be  quite  fufficient  for  every 
faliitary  purpofe  of  reform  in  the  laws,  or  of  relief 
to  the  citizens.  He  may  petition  Congrefs  j  his  own 
reprefentative  will  not  fail  to  enforce,  or,  at  leaft, 
to  prefent  and  explain  his  memorial.  As  a  juror, 
he  applies  the  law  ;  as  an  eleftor  he  effeftually  con- 
trouls  the  legiflators.  A  really  aggrieved  man  will 
be  fure  of  fympathy,  and  afliftance,  within  this  bo- 
dy, and  with  the  public.  The  moft  zealous  advo- 
cate of  clubs  may  think  them  ufeful,  but  he  will  not 
infift  on  their  being  indifpenfibly  fo.  The  plea  for 
their  ufcfulncfs  feems  to  reft  on  their  advantage  of 
meeting  for  political  information.  The  abfurdity  of 
this  pretence  could  be  expofed  in  a  variety  of  vievrs. 
I  fliall  decline,  faid  Mr.  Ames,  a  detailed  confidera- 
tion  of  the  topic.  I  would  juft  aik  however,  whe- 
ther the  moft  inflamed  party  men,  who  ufually  lead 
the  clubs,  are  the  beft  organs  of  authentic  informa- 
tion ?  whether  they  meet  in  darknefs,  whether  they 
hide  their  names,  their  numbers,  and  their  doings, 
whether  they  fhut  their  doors  to  ad?nit  information  ? 
A  laudable  zeal  for  enquiry  needs  not  fliun  thofe  who 
could  fatisfy  it ;  it  needs  not  blufli  in  the  day-light. 
"With  open  doors  and  an  unlimited  freedom  of  de- 
bate, political  knowledge  might  be  introduced  even 
among  the  intruders.  But,  inftead  of  expofmg  their 
affeded  purfuit  or  information,  it  will  be  enough  to 
ftiew  hereafter  what  they  aftually  fpread  among  the 
people,  whether  it  is  information,  or  in  the  words 
of  the  Prefident,  "  jealoufies,  fufpicions  and  accufa- 
tions  of  the  government,"  whether  difregarding  the 
truth,  they  have  not  fomented  the  daring  outrages 
againft  focial  order  and  the  authority  of  the  laws. 
(Vide  the  Prefident's  fpeech.)  They  have  arrogantly 
pretended  fometimes  to  be  the  people,  and  fomeiimes 
the  guardians,  the  champions  of  the  people.  They 
I  affea 


POLITICAL   REGISTER.  145 

^■ffeft  to  feel  more  zeal  for  a  popul;ir  governmenr, 
and  to  enforce  more  refpe^i  for  republican  principles, 
than  the  real  reprefentatives  are  admitted  to  enter- 
tain. Let  us  fee  whether  tliey  are  fet  up  for  the 
people,  or  in  oppofitlon  to  them,  and  their  inflitn- 
tions.  Will  any  reflecli ng  perfon  fuppofc,  for  a 
moment,  that  this  great  people,  fo  widely  extended, 
fo  actively  employed,  rould  form  a  common  will  and 
make  that  will  law  in  their  individual  capacity,  and 
without  reprefentation  ?  They  could  not.  Will 
clubs  avail  them  as  a  fubftitute  for  reprefentation  ? 
A  few  hundred  perfons  only  are  members  of  clubs, 
and  if  they  (hould  acl  for  the  others,  it  would  be 
an  ufarpation,  and  the  power  of  the  few  over  the 
many,  in  every  view,  infinitely  worfe  than  fedition 
itfelf,  will  reprefent  this  government. 

To  avoid  this  difficulty  fhall  the  whole  people  be 
clafled  into  clubs  ?  Shall  every  fix  miles  fquare  be 
formed  into  a  club  fovereignty  ?  Thus  we  {hould 
guard  againfl  the  abufe  of  truft,  becaufe  we  Ihould 
delegate  none,  but  every  m.an  might  go  and  do  his 
bulinefs  in  his  own  perfon.  XVe  might  thus  form 
ten  or  twenty  thoufand  democracies,  as  pure  and 
fimple  as  the  moft  diforganizing  fpirit  could  figh  for. 
But  what  could  keep  this  fair  horizon  unclouded  ? 
What  could  prevent  the  whirlwinds  and  fires  of  dif- 
cord,  inteftine  and  foreign,  from  fcattering  and  con- 
fuming  thefe  fritters  and  rags  of  the  fociety,  like 
the  dry  leaves  in  autumn.  Without  refpeclabiiity^ 
without  fafety,  without  tranquility,  they  would  be 
like  fo  many  caves  of  Eolus,  v/here  the  imprifoned 
ftorms  were  fud  to  ftruggle  for  a  vent.  If  we  look 
at  Greece,  fo  famed  for  letters  and  more  for  raifery, 
we  Ihall  fee  that  her  ferocious  liberty  made  her  petty 
commonwealths  wolf  dens.  That  liberty,  which 
poetry  reprcfents  as  a  goddefs,  hiftory  defcribes  as  a 
Gannibal.  Reprefentativc  governmenr,  therefore* 
4  L  b 


r4^  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

is  fo  far  from  being  a  facrifice  of  our  rights,  that  it 
is  their  fecurity  ;  it  is  the  only  practicable  in  ode  for 
a  great  people  to  exercife  or  have  any  rights.  Ic 
puts  them  into  fuU  pofleffion  of  the  utmoft  exercife 
of  them.  By  clubs  will  they  have  fomething  more 
than  all  ?  Will  fuch  inftitutions  operate  to  augment, 
to  fecure,  or  to  enforce  their  rights,  or  jufl:  the  con- 
trary ?  Knowledge  and  truth  will  be  friendly  to  fuch 
a  government,  and  that  in  return  will  be  friendly  to 
them.  Is  it  pofTible  for  any  to  be  fo  deluded  as  to 
fuppofe  that  the  over  zeal  for  government,  on  the 
part  of  the  fupporters  of  this  amendment,  would 
prompt  them  to  defire  or  attempt  the  obftru£lion  of 
the  liberty  of  fpeech,  or  the  genuine  freedom  of 
the  prefs  ?  ImpofTible !  That  would  be  putting  out 
the  eyes  of  the  government  which  we  are  fo  jealous 
to  maintain.  The  abufes  of  thefe  privileges  may 
embarrafs  and  diflurb  our  prefcnt  fyflem  ;  but  if 
they  were  aboliflied,  the  government  mufl  be 
changed.  No  friend  therefore  of  the  conditution 
could  harbour  the  willi  to  produce  the  confequences 
which  it  is  infmuated,  are  intended  to  enfae.  Mr. 
Ames  refumed  the  remark  that  the  government  refts 
on  the  enlightened  patriotifm  of  an  orderly  and  mo- 
ral body  of  citizens.  Let  the  advocates  of  monar- 
chy boafl:  that  ignorance  may  be  made  to  fleep  in 
chains  ;  that  even  corruption  and  vice  may  be  en- 
lifted  as  auxiliaries  of  the  public  order.  It  is  how- 
ever a  fubjecl  of  exultation  and  confidence  that  fuch 
citizens  as  we  reprefenr,  fo  enlightened,  fo  generally 
virtuous,  and  uncorrupted,  under  the  prefent  mild 
republican  fyflem,  practicably  are  fafe,  nay  morCy 
it  is  evidently  the  only  fyftem  that  is  adapted  to  the 
American  flare  of  fociety.  But  fuch  a  fyftem  com- 
bines within  itfelf  two  indeflruCtible  elements  of  de- 
ftruction,  two  enemies  with  whom  ic  mufl  confliCl 
for  ever  J  whom  it  may  difafm,  bin  can  never  pa- 
cify : 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  147 

cify,  vice  and  ignorance.  Thofe  who  do  not  under* 
ftand  their  rights,  will  defpife  or  confound  them  with 
wrongs,  and  thofe  whofe  turbulence  and  licentiouf* 
nefs  find  reftraints  in  equal  laws,  will  feek  gratifica- 
tion by  evafions  or  combinations  to  over-awe  or  re- 
fift  ihem. 

A  government  that  protefts,  property,  and  che- 
riflies  virtue,  will  of  courfe  have  vice  and  prodigality 
for  its  foes,  bccaufe  it  will  be  compelled  to  abridge 
their  liberty,  to  prevent  their  invading  the  rights  of 
other  citizens.  The  virtuous  and  the  enlightened  will 
cling  to  a  republican  government,  becaufe  it  is  con- 
genial, no  lefs  with  their  feelings,  than  their  rights. 
The  licentious  and  the  profligate  are  ever  ready  for 
confufion,  which  might  give  them  every  thing,  while 
laws  and  order  deny  them  every  thing.  The  ambi- 
tious and  defperate,  by  combinations,  acquire  more 
power  and  influence  than  their  fellow  citizens ;  the 
credulous,  the  ignorant,  the  rafli,  and  violent,  arc 
drawn  by  artifice,  or  led  by  charafter,  to  join  thefe 
confederacies.  The  more  free  the  government,  the 
more  certain  they  are  to  grow  up  ;  for  where  there  is 
no  liberty  at  all,  this  abufe  of  it  will  not  be  feen.  Once 
formed  into  bodies,  they  have  a  fpirit  of  corps,  and 
are  propelled  into  errors  and  exceflTes,  without  fliams 
or  reflexion.  A  fpirit  grows  up  in  their  progrefs, 
and  every  difappointment  makes  them  more  loofe, 
as  to  the  means,  and  every  fuccefs  more  and  more 
immoderate  in  the  objefts  of  their  attempts.  Ca- 
lumny is  one  of  thofe  means.  Thofe  whom  they 
cannot  punifli  or  controul,  they  can  vilify  ;  they  can 
make  fufpicion  go  where  their  force  could  not  reach, 
and  by  rumours  and  falfehoods,  multiply  enemies 
againft  their  enemies.  They  become  formidable, 
and  they  retaliate  upon  the  magillrates,  thofe  fears 
which  the  laws  have  infpired  them  with.  1  he  ex- 
ecution of  the  laws  is  not  accompliflisd  without  ef- 
L  2  fort. 


14$  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

fort,  without  hazard.  Inftead  of  mildncfs,  of  mu- 
tual confidence,  inftead  of  the  laws  aimoft  executing 
themfeives,  more  rigour  is  demanded  in  the  framing, 
more  force  to  fecure  the  operation  of  the  laws. 
The  clubs  and  turbulent  coinbinations  exercifing  the 
refifting  power,  it  is  obvious  that  government  will 
need  more  force,  and  more  will  then  be  given  to  it. 
Thus  it  appears,  that  inftead  of  lightening  the  weight 
of  authority,  it  will  acquire  a  new  ?nofnenium  from 
the  clubs  and  combinations  formed  to  refift  it.  Tur- 
bulent men,  embodied  into  hofts,  will  call  for  more 
energy  to  fupprefs  them,  than  if  the  difcontented 
remained  unembodied.  Difturbances  fomented  from 
time  to  time,  may  unhappily  change  the  mild  prin- 
ciples of  the  fyftem,  and  the  little  finger  then  may- 
be found  heavier  than  the  whole  hand  of  the  prc- 
fent  government.  For  if  the  clubs  and  the  govern- 
ment fliould  both  fubfift,  tranquillity  would  be  out 
of  the  queftion.  The  continual  conteft  of  one  or- 
ganized body  againft  another,  would  produce  the 
alternate  extremes  of  anarchy  and  exceftive  rigor  of 
government.  If  the  clubs  prevail,  they  will  be  the 
government,  and  the  more  fecure  for  having  become 
fo  by  a  victory  over  the  exifting  authorities.  In 
every  afpedl  of  the  difcufilon,  the  focieties  formed 
to  control  and  vilify  a  republican  government,  are 
hateful.  They  not  only  of  necelTity  make  it  more 
rigorous,  but  they  tend,  wii:h  a  fatal  energy,  to 
make  it  corrupt.  By  perverting  the  truth,  and 
fpreadingjealoufy  and  intrigue  throughout  the  land, 
they  compel  the  rulers  to  depend  on  new  fupports. 
The  ufurping  clubs  offer  lo  fa«Sl:ion  within  thefe 
doors  the  means  of  carrying  every  point  without. 
A  corrupt  underftanding  is  produced  between  them.. 
The  power  of  the  clubs  will  prevail  even  here,  and 
that  of  the  people  will  proportionably  decline.  The 
clubs  echo  the  language  of  their  prote^ors  here ; 

truth. 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  149 

truth,  virtue,  and  patriotifm  arc  no  longer  princi- 
ples, but  names  for  electioneering  jugglers  to  de- 
ceive with.     Calumny  will  aliimilate  to  itfelf  the  ob- 
je<5ls  it  falls  on.     It  will  perfecute  the  man  who  does 
his  duty  :  it  will  take  away  the  reward   of  virtue, 
and  bellow  praife  only  upon  the  tools  of  faftion. 
By  betraying  his  truft,  a  man  may  then  expeft  the 
fupport  of  the  powerful  comMnations  oppofed  to  the 
government.     By  faithfuliy   adhering  to  it,  he  en- 
counters perfecution.     He  finds  neither  refuge  nor 
confolation  with  the  public,  who  become  at  length 
fo  corrupted  as  to  think  virtue  in  a  public  (lation  in- 
credible, becaufe  it  would  be,  in  thfeir  opinion,  folly. 
The    indifcriminate  jealoufy  v/hich  is  diffufed  from 
the  clubs  tends  no  lefs  to  corrupt  the  fufpicious  than 
the  fufp;;£ted.  It  poifons  confidence,  v/hich  is  no  lefs 
the  incitement  than  the  recompence  of  public  fer- 
viccs.     It  lowers  the  (landard  of  a6liou.     Thefe  ob- 
fervations,    which  feem   to   be  founded  on  theory, 
unfortunately  bear  the  flamp  of  experience.     Hif- 
tory  abounds  with  the  proofs.     Never  was   there 
a  v.'ife   and  free  republic,   which  v/as  exempt  from 
this  inveterate  malady.     We  can  find  a  parallel  for 
the  brighteft   worthies  of  Greece,  as    well  as  for 
their  calumniators.     In   that  country,  as  well  as  in 
this,  the  afTaiTms  of  charafler  abounded.      While 
flander  is  credited  only  by  its   inventors,  it  is  cafy 
for  a  man  to  maintain  the  ferenity  of  his  contempt 
for  both.     But   when  it  is  adopted  by  the  public, 
few  are  hardy  enough  to  defpifs  the  public  opinion  ; 
he  that  pretends  to  do  (o  is  a  hypocrite,  and  if  he 
really  does  fo,  he  is  a  wretch.     This  precious  pro- 
perty is  one  of  the  firfl  objefts  of  invafion,  and  the 
combinations  alluded  to  are  well  adapted  and  aftively 
employed  to   defiroy  if.     It  is  a  plaufible  opinion, 
that  if  the  government  is  not  grofsly  defeftive  in  its 
form,  or  corrupt  in  its  adminiftration,  aaiinofities 
L  3  againii 


150  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

againft  it  will  not  exift.  This  correfponds  neither 
with  found  fenfe  nor  experience.  Equal  laws  arc 
the  very  grievances  of  thefe  petty  tyrants,  who 
combine  together  to  engrofs  more  than  equal  power 
and  privileges.  When  power  is  conferred  exclu- 
fively  upon  the  worthy,  the  profligate  and  ambitious 
are  driven  to  defpair  of  fuccefs,  by  any  methods  that 
the  worthy  would  adopt.  The  more  pure  and  free 
the  government,  the  more  certainly  will  the  word 
men  it  protects  and  reftrains  become  its  implacable 
enemies,  and  fuch  men  have  ever  been  the  foes  of 
Republics.  The  outcafts  from  fociety,  thofe  who 
fingly  are  fliunned  becaufe  infamy  has  fmitten  them 
with  leprofy,  men  who  are  fcored  with  worfe  than 
plague  fores,  are  the  iirfl  to  combine  againft  it.  And 
luch  men  have  the  front  to  preach  purity  of  prin- 
ciples, and  reformation.  Such  men  will  meet  in 
darknefs  and  perform  incantations  againft  liberty  ; 
there  they  will  gather  to  medicate  their  poifons,  to 
whei  their  daggers,  to  utter  their  blafphemies  againft: 
liberty,  and  may  proceed  again  to  fhout  from  that 
gallery,  or  may  colleft  with  cannon  at  this  door,  to 
perpetrate  facrilege  here  in  her  very  fanftuary.  It 
will  be  afl'Ced,  what  remedy  for  this  evil  ?  I  anfwer 
no  violent  one.  The  gentle  power  of  opinion,  I 
flatter  myfelf,  will  prove  fufficient  among  our  citi- 
zens who  have  fenfe,  morals,  and  property.  The 
hypocrify  of  the  clubs  will  be  unmafked,  and  the 
public  fcorn,  without  touching  their  perfons  or  pro- 
perty, will  frown  them  into  nothing.  Mr.  Ames 
next  proceeded  to  advert  more  particularly  to  fafts. 
He  made  mention  of  the  Jefuirs,  who  were  baniftied 
for  becoming  a  club  againft  the  European  govern- 
ments. He  mentioned  the  Jacobins  alfo,  who  per- 
formed well  in  pulling  down  the  old  government, 
but  becaufe  they  would  continue  pulling  down  the 
new  one,   as  fuch  clubs  ever  will,  had  their  hall 

locked 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  m 

locked  up  by  Legendre.  Our  committees  in  1774 
and  1775,  were  efficient  inftruments  to  pull  down 
the  Britifh  government.  Yet  although  they  were 
friendly  to  our  own,  the  people  laid  them  afide  as 
foon  as  they  wiilied  to  build  up  inftead  of  pulling 
down.  If  our  government  were  to  be  demoliflied, 
clubs  would  be  a  powerful  means  of  doing  ir,  and 
the  people  may  chufe  to  countenance  them  at  that 
time.  But  as  they  chufe  no  fuch  thing  at  prefent, 
they  will  difcountenance  them.  The  Cincinnati 
were  perfonally  worthy  men,  officers  of  the  moft 
deferving  army  that  ever  triumphed.  Yet,  although 
they  were  friendly  to  the  government,  and  pofleffed 
the  confidence  of  the  citizens  by  the  moft  brilliant 
titles,  the  nature  of  their  inflitution  raifed  a  jealoufy 
and  ferment.  The  ftate  legiflatures  condemned  it, 
as  fetting  up  a  government  v*ithin  the  government. 
What  then  are  we  to  fay  of  clubs  ?  Fafts  have  been 
rather  imprudently  called  for,  and  let  them  be  exa- 
mined. The  democratic  fociety  of  Vermont,  (late,  as 
one  reafon  for  their  eftabliffiment,the  unmerited  abufe 
with  which  the  public  papers  have  fo  often  teemed 
againft  the  minifter  of  our  only  ally.  This  was  long 
after  Genet's  whole  correfpondence  had  been  pub- 
lilhed,  and  after  France  had  unequivocally  disapproved 
his  conduft. 

Agreeable  to  a  previous  notification,  there  met  at 
Pittfburg,  on  the  sift  of  Auguft,  a  number  of  per- 
fons,  ftiling  ihemfelves,  "  A  meeting  of  fundry  inha- 
bitants of  the  Weftern  Counties  of  Pennfylvania.'* 
This  meeting  entered  into  refolutions,  not  lefs  ex- 
ceptionable than  thofe  of  its  predecefTors.  The  pre- 
amble fuggefts,  that  a  tax  on  fpirituous  liquors  is 
unjufl  in  itfelf,  and  oppreffive  upon  the  poor;  that 
internal  taxes  upon  confumption,  mull  in  the  end 
deftroy  the  liberties  of  the  country  into  which  they 
are  introduced  j  that  the  lav/  in  queftion,  from  cer- 

L  4  t;iin 


V52  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

tain  local  circnmftances,  which  are  fpecified,  would 
bring  immediate  diftrcfs  and  ruin  upon  the  weftera 
country ;  and  concludes  with  the  fentiment,  that 
they  think  it  their,  duty  to  perfift  in  rcmonftrances  to 
Congrefj,  and  in  every  other  legal  menfure,  that 
may  obftruft  the  operation  of  the  law.  The  refolu- 
tions  then  proceed,  firft  to  appoint  a  con-.mittee  to. 
prepare,  and  caufe  to  be  prefrnted  to  Congrcfs,  an 
addrcfs  dating  objeftions  to  the  law,  and  praying  for 
its  repeal.  Secondly,  to  appoint  committees  of  cor- 
3-efpondence  for  Waftiington,  Fayette,  and  Alleghany, 
charged  to  correfpond  together,  and  with  fucli  com- 
mitiees  as  fhould  be  appointed  for  the  fame  purpofe, 
in  the  county  of  Weftmore'and,  or  with  any  commit- 
tees of  a  fimilar  nature,  that  might  be  appcinied  in 
other  parts  of  the  United  Stares  ;  and  alfo,,if  found 
neceifary,  to  call  together,  cirher  general  meetings 
of  the  people,  in  their  refpeftive  counties,  or  con- 
ferences of  the  feveral  committees ;  and,  laftly,  to 
declare,  that  they  will  in  future  confider  thofe  who 
hold  offices  for  the  collection  of  the  duty,  as  un- 
worthy of  their  friendfliip,  that  they  will  have  no  in- 
tercourfe,  no  dealings  with  them,  will  withdrav/  from 
them  every  affiftance,  withhold  ail  the  comforts  of 
life  which  depend  upon  thofe  duties,  that  as  men  and 
fellow  citizens  they  owe  to  each  other,  and  will  upon 
all  occafions  treat  them  with  contempt ;  earneftly 
recommending  it  to  the  people  at  large,  to  follow 
the  fame  line  of  condufi:  tovvards  them.  He  men- 
tioned the  fhameful  tranfaCtion  at  Lexington  in  Ken- 
tucky, where  Mr.  Jay  was  burned  in  effigy.  It  was 
painful,  he  faid,  thus  to  dwell  on  the  diflionor  of  the 
country,  but  it  was  already  publiftied*. 

*  The  late  appointment  of  John  Jay,  as  Envoy  Extraordi- 
nary to  the  Court  of  London,  brought  fo  ftrongly  to  the 
recolledion  of  the  people  cf  this  country  his  former  iniquitous 
jittempt  fo  barter  away  their  moft  valuable  right,  that  they 

€OuM 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  153 

The  club  of  Charlefton,  South  Carolina,  folicited 
an  adoption  of  the  Jacobin  Club  at  Paris.  They  alfo 
addrtff-d  Conful  Margourii,  who  had  adlually  granted 
commiffi  ins  to  privateers,  in  defiance  of  the  Prefi- 
dent's  Proclamation  of  Neutrality. 

could  not  refrain  from  openly  tefllfying  their  abhorrence  of  the 
man,  whofe  appointment,  at  this  critical  period  of  their  affairs, 
they  confider  as  trag'cally  ominous.  Although  they  had  not 
forgotten,  nor  even  faintly  remembered,  his  former  aft  of 
treafon  againft  them  ;  yet  they  hoped,  from  the  office  he  filled, 
he  was  in  as  harmlefs  a  fituation  as  he  could  b:  placed ;  and 
that  no  effort  of  power  or  policy  could  drag  him  forward, 
{b  long  as  he  held  his  office,  and  fet  liim  once  more  to  chaf- 
fering with  our  rights.  With  thefe  impreffions,  a  number  of 
refpedtable  citizens  of  this  place  and  its  vicinity,  on  Saturday 
laft,  ordered  a  likenefs  of  this  evil  genius  of  v.'eftein  America 
to  be  made,  which  was  foon  well  executed.  At  the  appointed 
hour,  he  was  ufhered  forth  from  a  barber's  (hop,  amidff  the 
fhouts  of  the  people,  dreffed  in  a  courtly  manner,  and  placed 
eredl  on  the  platform  of  the  pillory.  In  his  right  band  he 
held  uplifted,  a  rod  of  iron;  in  his  left,  he  held  extended. 
Swift's  laft  fpeech  in  Congrefs,  on  the  fubjeft  of  Britifli  depre- 
dation ;  on  one  fide  of  which  was  written 

Nemo  repente  fuit  turpiffimus.     Juv.  Sat.  iv.  33. 

No  man  e'er  reached  the  heights  of  vice  at  firft. 
And  on  the  other, 

— non  deficit  alter.         Virg.  ;en.  6. 

A  fecond  is  not  wanting. 

About  his  neck  was  fufpended  by  a  hempen  firing,  Adams's 
Defence  of  the  American  Conftitutions  ;  on  the  cover  of 
which  was  written, 

Scribere  juffit  aurum.     Ov.  Ep. — Gold  bade  me  write. 

After  exhibiting  him  in  this  condition  for  fome  time,  he  vras 
ordered  to  be  guillotined,  which  was  foon  dexteroufly  executed, 
and  a  flame  inftantly  applied  to  him,  v.hich  finding  its  way  to 
a  quantity  of  powder,  which  was  lodged  in  his  body,  produced 
fuch  an  exploiior;,  that  after  it  there  was  fcarcely  to  be  found 
a  particle  of  the  disjefta  membra  Plenipo. — Netu-l'ork  Jmrnal, 
or  Patriotie  Regijhr  by  Gre.n'.eaf,  Angujl  2,    ^794. 

ExtraB 


154  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

Mxtra^  of  the  Gazette  Rationale,  or  Moniteur  Uni- 
verjel.  No.  270. 

JACOBIN  SOCIETY. 

OElohr,    I793* 
Cou?E  DE  LoisE,  in  the  Chair, 

The  Republican  Society  of  Charlefton,  in  Caro- 
lina, one  of  the  United  States  of  America,  demand 
of  the  Jacobin  Ckib  its  adoption. 

Hauthier.  "  We  have  fpilt  our  blood  for  the 
eftablilhment  of  American  liberty.  I  think  that  the 
Americans  ought  to  do  the  fame  for  us,  before  we 
grant  tht-m  adoption.'* 

A  Citizen,  "  Before  engaging  them  to  intermed- 
dle in  our  way,  ic  is  necefTary  to  underlland  one 
another,  to  come  to  an  agreement  with  them.  1  do 
not  fee  then  a  more  efficacious  way  lor  the  previous 
re-union,  than  an  adoption  of  their  fociety.'* 

Collot  de  Herbois,  After  making  fome  general 
obfervations,  fays,  "  Neverthelefs,  we  fnould  not 
negleft  the  advantages  which  may  arife  from  this 
advance.    I  conclude  that  we  agree  to  this  adoption." 

The  club  of  Pinckney  diftrift,  in  Carolina,  had 
voted  in  favour  of  war,  and  againft  paying  taxes,  be- 
caufe  they  were  too  far  from  the  market.  A  Vir- 
ginia club  had  voted  an  alteration  in  the  Conftitution, 
in  order  that  an  amendment  might  prevent  the 
Prefident  being  again  eligible.  Is  proof  necefTary 
to  thofe  who  remember  the  (late  of  this  city  laft 
fpring  ?  Are  the  refolves  of  the  clubs  of  this  place 
and  New- York  forgotten  ?  Could  outrage  and  auda- 
city be  expefted  to  venture  further  ?  One  condemned 
the  excife  as  odious  and  tyrannical ;  the  other,  in- 
forcing  that  fentiment,  publilhed  its  condemnation 
«f  Mr.  Jay's  miflion  of  peace.     Did  not  all  of  them 

arraign 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  155 

arraign  the  whole  government,  reprobate  the  whole 
fyflem  of  laws,  charge  the  breach  of  the  Conftiiution 
upon  the  Prsfident,  and  iinfpeakable  turpitude  on 
the  adminiftraiion,  as  well  as  on  this  body?  Surely 
Americans,  feeling  as  they  ought,  for  the  honor, 
and  peace,  and  fafety  of  their  country,  cannot  forget 
thefe  exceffes  ;  they  cannot  remember  them  in  any 
manner  which  my  reprobation  could  enforce. 

ExtraB  from  the  proceedings  of  a  Meeting  of  Dele- 
gates^ from  the  Eledion  Dijiricls  of  Allegheny 
County,  held  at  Pittfburg,  Jpril  ift.  Thomas 
Morton,  in  the  Chair, 

At  this  junfture  we  have  France  to  affifl  us,  who, 
Ihould  we  now  take  a  part,  will  not  fail  to  ftand  by 
us,  until  Canada  is  independent  of  Britain,  and  the 
inftigators  of  Indian  hoftilities  are  removed  ;  and, 
fhould  we  lie  by,  while  France  is  ftruggling  for  her 
liberties,  it  cannot  be  fuppofcd  that  her  republic  will 
embark  in  a  war  on  our  account,  after  flie  ihall  have 
been  victorious.  It  was  for  this  reafon,  that  though 
we  approved  of  the  conduft  of  the  Prefident,  and  the 
Judiciary  of  the  United  Stales,  in  their  endeavors  to 
preferve  peace,  and  an  impartial  neutrality,  until  the 
fenfe  of  the  nation  had  been  taken  on  the  neceffity  of 
retaliation,  by  actually  declaring  war,  yet,  now  that 
the  Congrefs  have  been  convened,  and  fuch  juft 
grounds  exift,  we  are  weary  of  their  tardinefs,  in 
coming  forward  to  meafures  of  reprifal.  But  we 
have  obferved,  with  great  pain,  that  our  councils 
want  the  integrity  or  fpirit  of  republicans.  This  we 
attribute  to  the  pernicious  influence  of  (lock-holders, 
or  their  fubordinates ;  and  our  minds  feel  this  with 
fo  much  indignancy.  that  v/e  are  almofh  ready  to  wifli 
for  a  (tare  of  revolution,  and  the  guillotine  of  France, 
for  a  ftiort  fpace,  in  order  to  infli6l  punifliment  on 

the 


156  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

the  mifcreants  that  enervate  and  difgrace  our  govern- 
ment*. 

If  the  black  charges  againfl:  Congrefs  and    the 
whole  government,  were  true,  they  ought  to  fly  to 
arms.    They  ought  to  pull  dov/n  this  tower  of  ini- 
quity, fo  as  not  to  leave  one  ftone  upon  another. 
The  deluded  weftern  people  believed  them  true,  and 
a6led  accordingly.     The  great  mafs  of  the  difcon- 
tcnted,  therefore,  are  to  be  pitied,  for  the  ignorance 
and  credulity  which  made  them  the  dupes  of  the 
clubs.   They  thought  they  were  doing  God  and  their 
country  fervice,  by  cleanfmg  this  Augean  (table  of  its 
filth.    It  was  not  oppreffion  that  roufed  them  to  arras, 
as  fome  v/ould  inflnaare  ;  for  their  country  fiourifhes 
wonderfully.     It  was  an  infurredion,  raifed  by  the 
wicked  arts  of  f^iftion.     A  moment,  however,  is  due 
to  the  peculiar  falfity  of  two  of  the  flanders  on  this 
body.    The  fears  of  fimple  citizens  have  been  ftartled 
with  the  fabie,  that  there  is  a  monarchy  party  in  this 
houfe  and  the  other.     Look  round  Sir,  faid   Mr. 
Ames,  if  you  pleafe,  and  decide  whether  there  is 
one  man,  who  is  not  principled  as  a  repuplican,  who 
does  not  think  fuch  a  form  adapted  to  our  people, 
and  our  people  to  it,  and  who  would  not  flied  his 
'blood  and  fpend  his  laO:  ihilling,  againlh  the  intro- 
duction of  monarchy  ?    I  perfuade  myfelf.  Sir,  there 
is  not  even  one  man  heie,  whom  any  otiier  member 
even  thinks  in  his  heart,  is  to  be  fufpe(Sted  on  that 
head. 

The  other  flander,  which  has  contributed  to  kin- 
die  a  civil  war,  is  the  paper  nobility  in  Congrefs  :  that 
the  taxes  are  voted  for  the  fake,  and  carried  folely 
by  the  ftrength  of  thofe  who  put  the  proceeds  in 
their  pockets.  Is  there  a  word  of  truth  in  this  ?  On 
the  contrary,  there  are  probably  not  ten  members 

*  Ga2ette  of  the  United  States,  May  ^.  1794. 

wha 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  157 

who  have  <3;7y  intereft  in  the  funds,  and  that  intereft 
is  very  inconfiderable.  Is  it  probable,  therefore,  that 
when  the  citizens  have  been  led  by  calumny  and  lies 
to  defpife  their  government  and  its  minifters,  to  dread 
and  to  hate  it,  and  all  concerned  in  it,  that  the  in- 
furreftion  is  not  owing  to  the  men  and  the  focieties, 
who  have  invented  or  confirmed  and  diffufed  thefe 
danders.  When  the  rage  of  thefe  pafTions  broke  out 
into  civil  war,  are  thofe  incendiaries  innocent,  who 
infpired  that  rage,  who  nouriflied  it  from  time  to 
lime  with  frefli  combuftibles,  and  who  at  laft  fanned  ic 
into  an  open  flame  ?  The  fa£t  is  too  notorious  for  any 
man  even  to  pretend  ignorance,  that  the  infurgents 
were  encouraged  to  take  arms,  by  the  delufive  hope 
that  the  militia  would  not  turn  out  againfl  them. 
Had  they  believed  that  the  citizens  were  as  firm  for 
government,  as  to  their  immortal  honour  they  have 
{hewn  that  they  are,  would  the  folly  or  defperation 
of  the  weftern  people  have  proceeded  to  arms  ?  They 
would  not.  But  the  felf-made  focieties  had  pub- 
lijGhed  that  the  rulers  were  tyrants,  ufurpers,  and 
plunderers,  abhorred  by  the  people,  who  would  foou 
hurl  them  down.  Let  us  afic  a  moment's  paufe,  to 
reflefl  what  would  have  been  the  fate  of  America,  if 
thefe  parricide  clubs  had  really  proceeded  in  poifon- 
ing  the  public  mind,  as  completely  as  they  attempted 
to  do.  The  weftern  infurgents  would  have  found 
armies,  not  to  fupprefs,  but  to  affifl:  them.  This 
fair  edifice  of  liberty,  the  palladium  of  our  country, 
the  world's  hope,  would  have  crumbled  to  powder. 
Mr.  Ames  then  proceeded  to  notice  forae  of  the 
obfervations  which  had  been  urp"ed  a^ainft  the  mo- 
tion  :  He  alked,  w^hether  in  a  point  that  fo  nenrly 
concerned  truth  and  duty,  the  committee  could  con- 
ciliate, that  is,  deny  the  truth  and  betray  their 
duty.  The  propofition  fiated  by  the  Prefident  was 
Uue^  and  had  been  proved  to  be  fo.      Shall  our 

lilencff 


iS8  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

filence  fupprefs  or  contradift  the  diftates  of  this 
conviftion  r  It  is  urged  that  we  have  no  right  to 
pafs  this  vote ;  a  fingular  objeftion,  fince  thofe  who 
make  it  are  confenting  to  the  adoption  of  the  claufe, 
to  which  the  words  f elf -created  focieties  are  moved 
to  be  added.  That  claufe  is  as  improper,  and  as 
unconilitutional  a  declaration  as  the  amendment. 
Is  it  poffible  that  thofe  are  ferious  in  this  objedion, 
who  voted  applaufe  to  General  Wayne  and  his  gal- 
lant army !  Is  this  Houfe  a  court  martial  to  try 
them,  if  they  had  done  ill  inftead  of  well  1  Had  the 
State  Legiflatures  no  right  to  pafs  votes  refpefting 
the  Cincinnati  ?  Then  we  have  no  right  to  anfwer 
the  fpeech  at  all,  as  the  Conftitution  is  filent  on  that 
head.  But  are  gentlemen  who  profcfs  fo  much  at- 
tachment to  the  people  and  their  rights,  difpofed  to 
abolifh  one  of  the  mofl:  fignal,  the  charafter  of  this 
Houfe,  as  the  grand  inquefl:  of  the  nation,  as  thofe 
who  are  not  only  to  impeach  thofe  who  perpetrate 
offence,  but  to  watch  and  give  the  alarm  for  the  pre- 
vention of  fuch  attempts.  We  are  alked,  with  fome 
pathos,  will  you  punifti  clubs  with  your  cenfure, 
unheard,  untried,  confounding  the  innocent  with 
the  guilty  ?  Cenfure  is  not  punifliment  unlefs  it  is 
merited  ;  for  we  merely  allude  to  certain  felf-created 
focieties,  which  have  difregarded  the  truth,  and  fo- 
mented the  outrages  againft  the  laws.  Thofe  which 
have  been  innocent,  will  remain  uncenfured.  It  is 
faid,  worthy  men  belong  to  thofe  clubs.  They  may 
be  as  men  not  wanting  in  merit,  but  when  they  join 
focieties  which  are  employed  to  foment  outrages 
againft  the  laws,  they  are  no  longer  innocent.  They 
become  bad  citizens.  If  innocence  happens  to  ftray 
into  fuch  company,  it  is  loft.  The  men  really  good 
will  quit  fuch  connections  ;  and  it  is  a  fa6t,  that  the 
moft  refpefted  of  thofe  who  were  faid  to  belong  to 
them,   have  long  ago  renounced    them.      Honeft 

credulous 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  159 

credulous  men  may  be  drawn  in  to  favour  very  bad 
defigns,  but  fo  far  as  they  do  it,  they  deferve  the 
reproach  which  this  vote  contains,  that  of  being 
unworthy  citizens.  If  the  word  men  in  fociety  have 
led  the  moO;  credulous  and  inconfiderate  aftray,  the 
latter  will  undoubtedly  come  to  reflection  the  fooner 
for  an  appeal  to  their  fenfe  of  duty.  This  appeal 
is  made  in  terms  which  truth  juftifies,  and  which 
apply  only  to  ihofe  who  have  been  criminal.  It 
is  faid  that  this  vote  v.ill  raife  up  the  clubs  into 
importance.  One  member  has  even  folemnly  warned 
us  againfl  the  awakening  of  their  refentments.  It 
is  not  clear  to  my  undcrftanding,  faid  Mr.  Ames, 
how  all  the  confequenccs  which  have  been  predicted 
from  this  vote  will  be  accompliflied.  This  is  a 
breach  of  right,  a  crufliing  of  thofe  free  focieties  by 
our  cenfure.  It  is  putting  them  down,  and  yet  we 
are  warned  that  it  is  raifing  them  up,  and  making 
them  ftronger  than  this  government.  The  friends 
of  the  motion  are  faid  not  to  agree  in  the  principle 
of  their  defence  of  it  ;  and  therefore  it  is  boldly 
afHrmed  that  they  have  no  principle.  Is  there  any 
difficulty  in  retorting  this  inveftive  ?  If  this  vote  w'ill 
call  the  attention  of  the  people  of  America  to  the 
fubject,  fo  much  the  better.  The  truth  will,  no 
doubt,  be  fought  and  found  at  laft,  and  with  fuch 
an  enlightened  public,  I  expeft  the  refult  will  be 
made  with  its  ufual  good  fenfe  ;  that  the  felf-cre- 
ated  focieties  defcribed  in  the  claufe  are  calculated 
to  deftroy  a  free  government ;  that  they  will  cer- 
tainly deftroy  its  tranquillity  and  harmony,  and 
greatly  corrupt  the  integrity  of  the  rulers,  and  the 
morals  of  the  people. 

In  the  courfe  of  his  rem.ark?,  Mr.  Ames  (Irongly 
infifted  that  the  vote  was  not  indefinite  in  its  terras. 
Societies  were  not  reprobated  becanfe  they  were 
felf-madc,  nor  becaufe  they  were  political  focieties. 

Every 


i6o  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

Every  body  as  readily  admitted  that  they  might  be 
innocent,  as  that  they  have  been  generally  impru- 
dent.    It  is  fuch  focietics  as  have  been  regardlefs  of 
the  truth,  and  have  fomented  the  outrages  againft 
the  law,  &:c.     Nor  is  the  intention  of  this  amend- 
ment to  flatter  the  Prefident,  as  it  has  been  intimated. 
He  furely  has  little  need  of  our  praife  on  any  perfo- 
nal  account.     This  late  fignal  aft  of  duty  is  already 
with  his  grateful  country,  with  faithful  hiftory :  nor 
is  it  in  our  power,  or  in  thofe  of  any  oifended  felf- 
created  focieties,  to  impair  that  tribute  which  will 
be  offered  to  him.     As  little  ground  is  there  for  fay- 
ing that  it  is  intended  to  (lifle  the  freedom  of  fpeech 
and  of  the  prefs,  fmce  the  very  perfons  who  charge 
this,  tell  us,  that  it  will  have  the  contrary  effrft. 
The  queftion  is  fimply  will  you  fupport  your  chief 
magiftrate  ?  Our  vote  does  not   go   merely  to  one 
man  and  to  his  feelings.    It  goes  to  the  trufl.   When 
clubs  are  arrayed  againfl:  your  government,  and  your 
chief  magiftrate  decidedly  arrays  the  militia  to  fup- 
prefs   their   infurreftion,    will   you  countenance   or 
difcountenance  the  officer  ?  Will  you  ever  fuffer  this 
Houfe,  the  country,  or  even  one  feditious  man  in 
it,  to  queftion  for  an  inftant  whether  your  approba- 
tion and  co-operation  will  be  lefs  prompt  and  cordial 
than  his  efforts  to  fupport  the  laws  ?  Is  it  fafe,  is  it 
honourable,  to  make  a  precedent,  and  that  no   lefs 
folemn  than  humiliating,  which  will  authorife,  which 
will  compel  every  future  prefident  to  doubt  whether 
you  will  approve  him  or  the  clubs  ?  The  Prefident 
now  in  office  would  doubtlefs  do  his  duty  promptly 
and  with  decifion  in  fuch  a  cafe.     But  can  you  ex- 
peft  it  of  human  nature,  and  if  you  could,  would 
you  put  it  at  rilk  v/hether  in  future  a  Prefident  fliall 
balance  between  his  duty  and  his  fear  of  your  cen- 
fure.     The  danger  is,  that  a  chief  magiftrate,  elec- 
tive as  ours  is,  will  tcraporife,  will  delay,  will  put 

the 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  i6i 

the  laws  into  treaty  vviih  offenders,  and  will  even 
enfure  a  civil  war  perhaps  the  lofs  of  our  free  go- 
vernment, by  the  want  of  proper  energy  to  quench 
the  iirft  fpi^rks.  You  ought  therefore  on  every  oc- 
cafion  to  fliew  the  mod  cordial  fupport  of  the  exe- 
cutive in  fupport  of  the  laws.  This  is  the  occafioH. 
If  it  is  dangerous  to  liberty,  againft  right  and  juflice, 
againft  truth  and  decency,  to  adopt  the  amendment, 
as  it  has  been  argued,  then  the  Prefident  and  Senate 
have  done  all  this.  Mr.  Ames  concluded  with  fay- 
ing, that  in  a  fpeech  fo  long,  containing  fuch  va- 
rious matrer,  and  fo  rapidly  delivered,  he  might 
have  dropped  many  obfervations  in  an  incorrect 
ftate.  Fie  relied  on  the  candor  of  the  Houf?,  and 
of  his  opponents,  for  the  interpretation  of  them. 

When   Mr.  Ames   had  clofed  his  remarks,  the 
Houfe  at  a  quarter  paft  three  o'clock  adjourned. 


THURSDAY,  the  2  7lh  of  November,  1794. 

This  day  there  was  read  a  fecond  time,  in  the! 
Senate,  the  bill  entitled,  "  An  aft  extending  the 
privilege  of  franking  to  Mr.  James  White,  and  ma- 
king provifion  for  his  compenfation.'*  It  was  or- 
dered to  pafs  the  third  reading.  A  melfage  was  re- 
ceived from  the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives  by  ?/Ir. 
Becklcy,  their  clerk,  informing  that  they  had  paffed 
a  bill  entitled,  an  aft  to  authorize  the  Prefident  to 
call  out  and  ftation  a  corps  of  militia  in  the  four 
weftern  counties  of  Pennfylvania,  for  a  limited  time; 
in  which,  they  defire  the  concurrence  of  the  Senate. 
This  bill  was  read  a  firil  time  ;  ordered  to  pafs  to 
the  fecond  reading,  and  then  the  Houfe  adjourned, 
until  to-morrow  forenoon,  at  eleven  o'clock. 

In  the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives  this  day,  the  en- 
groffed  bill  to  authorize  the  Prefident  to  call  out  and 

M  (lation 


i62  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

ftation  a  corps  of  militia  in  the  four  weftern  counties 
of  Pennfylvania,  for  a  limited  time ;  was  read  the 
third  time,  and  a  blank  therein  filled  up.  The  bill 
was  then  pad,  and  fcnt  up  to  the  Senate,  with  a  de- 
fire  of  their  concurrence. 

Mr.  Coit,  from  the  committee  appointed,  pre- 
fented,  according  to  order,  a  bill  for  the  relief  of 
John  R.  Livingfton,  which  was  received,  and  read 
the  firil  time. 

Ordered,  That  the  report  of  the  Secretary  at 
"War  on  the  memorial  of  Peter  Perrit,  which  lay  on 
the  table,  be  referred  to  the  Committee  of  Claims, 

The  Houfe  refumed  the  confidcration  of  the 
amendments,  reported  on  Tuefday  laft,  from  the 
committee  of  the  whole  Houfe,  to  whom  was  refer- 
red the  addrefs  to  the  Prefident  of  the  United  States, 
in  anfwer  to  his  fpeech  to  both  Houfes  of  Congrefs. 
They  had  before  them  the  amendment  propofed  by 
Mr.  Dayton,  and  already  mentioned,  for  reftoring 
the  words  felf-created  focieties  and  to  their  former 
place  in  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Fitzfimons. 

Mr.  Rutherford  fald  this  was  a  long  Jiep  to  get  at 
the  democratic  focieiies.  He  adjured  the  Houfe  to 
have  nothing  to  do  with  it.  He  repeated  the  fub- 
flance  of  his  former  remarks  on  the  conduft  of  thofe 
who  appeared  fo  folicitous  to  throw  an  odium  on  the 
democratic  focieties.  He  contended  that  too  much 
importance  was  given  to  ihefe  inflitutions ;  they 
were  harmlefs  of  themfelves,  and  if  let  alone  would 
have  no  more  weight  in  the  community  than  their 
condud  ftiould  entitle  them  to.  If  they  promulgated 
truth,  the  people  would  hear  them,  and  follow  their 
advice  ;  if  not,  they  would  fmk  into  contempt.  But 
what  is  the  import  of  the  motion  ?  It  favors  of  jea- 
loufy,  a  mere  fufpicion,  of  what  ?  He  faw  nothing 
on  which  to  found  any  fuch  jealoufy  or  fufpicion  ; 
the  people  are  fatisfied  with  their  own  government, 

they 


^POLITICAL  REGISTER.  163 

they  will  fupport  it ;  the  people  are  happy  and  con- 
tented ;  why  then  raife  doubts  and  difficulties  ?  why 
dart  at  fliadows  ?  why  give  confcquence  to  trifles  ? 
"  Trifles  light  as  air,  are  to  the  jealous  confirma- 
tions ftirong,  as  proofs  of  holy  writ."  Let  us  difmifs 
this  unmanly  jealoufy,  and  let  us  imitate  the  example 
fet  us  by  the  ftate  of  Maflfachufetts  ;  there  was  a 
man  in  that  ftate  by  the  name  of  Shays ;  he  raifed 
a  buftle,  and  made  a  noife ;  but  what  did  the  go- 
vernment do  ?  Why  they  defpifed  him,  and  in  a 
fliort  time  he  funk  into  infignificance. 

Mr.  Baldwin  confidered  it  as  an  entirely  new  doc- 
trine to  fay,  that  the  addrefs  ought  to  be  an  echo 
to  the  fpeech.  It  would  look  very  precipitate  thus 
to  deliver  opinions  with  our  hats  in  our  hands^  the 
moment  that  we  have  heard  the  fpeech.  The  Pre- 
fident  took  time  to  compofe  the  fpeech,  and  the 
Houfe  ought  to  think  well  before  they  gave  an  an- 
fwer  to  matters  of  opinion  like  this*  Mr.  Baldwin 
would  much  rather  give  no  anfwer  at  all  to  the  fpeech 
than  proceed  with  fuch  abruptnefs,  before  the  lioufe 
had  examined  evidence.  He  did  not  think  that  re- 
plying to  the  fpeech  was  an  eflential  circumftance. 
It  had  been  cuftomary  to  anfwer,  but  if  the  Houfe 
were  to  battle  at  this  rate,  about  the  contents  of  ir, 
he  vi^as  very  well  convinced  that  they  had  much  bet- 
ter drop  it  at  once,  and  proceed  to  the  bufmefs  be- 
fore them.  Where  would  be  the  hardi  of  making; 
no  anfwer  ?  It  was  cuftomary,  on  occafions  of  this 
kind,  for  Governors  to  make  a  fpeech,  but  in  fome 
of  the  ftates  of  the  union,  it  was  the  rule  7wt  to  an- 
fwer the  Governor.  It  was  faid  that  we  ought  to 
anfwer  every  part  of  the  fpeech.  But  there  was  no 
gentleman  on  that  floor,  who  could  (hew  Mr.  Bald- 
win a  ciaufe  in  the  conftitution,  for  giving  any  an- 
fwer at  all.  There  were  no  dire£lions  even  for  the 
Prefident  making  a  fpeech.     But  if  members  faid 

M  2  that 


1^4  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

that  it  v/as  cuftomary  to  take  notice,  in  the  reply^ 
of  every  topic  touched  in  the  fpeech,  he  would  tell 
them  in  one  word  that  they  were  raiftaken.  For  it 
was  only  lad  year,  that  when  the  Prefident  delivered 
his  fpeech,  the  Houfe  took  no  notice  whatever  in 
their  anfwer,  of  fcveral  matters  of  opinion  alluded* 
to  by  him,  and  which  Mr.  Baldwin  fpecified.  It 
'was  quite  a  new  doclrine  to  fay  that  we  mud  anfwer 
every  thing  which  he  fays.  Mr.  Baldwin  highly  re- 
gretted the  wade  of  time,  and  temper  en  this  idle 
topic.  In  faft  Vv'e  had  already  given  a  very  fubftan- 
tial  anfwer  to  one  part  of  his  fpeech,  by  voting 
agreeable  to  hi>  advice,  for  an  eftablifhment  of 
troops  in  the  weflern  counties.  In  all  felf-evident 
pofitions,  Mr.  Baldwin  v.as  ready  to  give  an  echo  to 
the  fpeech  ;  but  he  did  not  think  it  felf-evident,  that 
the  democratic  focieties  had  been  the  caufe  of  the 
infurreclion.  He  a«flu;illy  difbelieved  ir.  The  only 
paper  which  they  had  before  them,  in  the  form  of  evi- 
dence, which  v;as  the  letter  from  Mr.  Hamilton,  dated 
a  quite  different  caufe,  for  it  tells  you  that  the  difcon- 
tents  had  gone  to  an  alarming  height  long  before 
the  focieties  exided.  It  had  been  faid  that  the 
Houfe  were  a  grand  inqued  Let  us  proceed  then 
/:■///  or  no  bill.  Let  us  try  th>e  caufe.  We  cannot 
decide  at  prefent,  for  excepting  Mr.  Scott,  there  is 
not  a  gentleman  on  the  floor,  who  knows  any  thing 
perfonally  about  the  matter;  and  even  he  only  tells 
us  that  the  accounts  given  by  the  Prefident  and  Mr. 
Hamilton  are  Jzricil^  true ;  and  that,  as  to  the  red 
of  the  affair,  every  member  knovv's  as  much  as  he 
does.  This  therefore  ends  in  nothing.  But  if  we 
mud  have  an  echo,  he  would  advife  in  the  fird  place 
to  appoint  a  committee  of  enquiry  into  the  caufes  of 
the  rebellion,  like  that  on  the  defeat  of  St.  Clair, 
which  fat  for  three  months.  This  would  be  going 
regularly  and  hontdly  about  it.     But  to  pafs  a  vote 

of 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  iCs 

of  cenfure  of  this  forr,  withcut  any  evidence  or  •.;;> 
tbority,  was  what  Mr.  Baldwin  never  would  confent: 
to.  Inftead  of  all  this  debating  and  fine  fpeaking, 
in  which  certain  gentlemen  were  furh  worderful  pro- 
ficients, the  appointment  of  a  coii^raittee  would  have 
come  much  nearer  the  purpofe. 

In  matters  of  notoriety,  as  that  we  were  enjoying 
the  blellings  of  peace,  when  that  fliould  be  the  cafe,- 
or  in  any  other  matter  of  fa6"t,  that  was  in  itfelf  in- 
conteftibie,  Mr.  Baldwin  had  no  objeftion  to  a  reply 
in  the  ftile  propofed.  But  to  adopt  it  in  a  queftioji 
fo  ferious  as  that  nov/  before  the  Honfe  would  be 
unpardonable.  Tvlr.  Baldwin  did  nor  alTume  or  at- 
tempt that  animated  ftile  adopted  by  fo:re  members, 
for  he  really  was  not  much  afil'^icd.  He  thoui^ht 
that  the  Houfe  had  made  a  very  poor  employment 
of  three  valuable  days,  that  might  have  been  occu- 
pied much  better ;  and  now  we  are  gettin^^  into  a 
fourth,  and  how  lon^  we  are  to  go  on  at  this  rate 
there  is  no  man  in  America  who  can  tell.  As  to 
democratic  focieties,  there  were  none  in  the  ftats 
(Georgia)  which  he  reprefented,  nor  was  he  difpo- 
fed  to  feel  the  fmallefl:  alarm  about  them.  It  was 
to  hini  very  doubtful,  whether  the  Prefident,  in  his 
fpeech,  had  a  reference  to  any  fociety  in  the  Union, 
except  thofe  of  the  four  weftcrn  counties.  He  pre- 
ferred the  words  cojnbinations  of  men^  to  the  phrafa 
o^felf-created^  hccaufe  every  fociety  in  America  was, 
felf-created.  He  ftrongly  recommended  throwing 
afide  the  addrefs  altogether,  and  going  into  the  bu- 
fmefs  for  which  the  members  were  paid  and  fent 
there.  He  was  fure  that  the  Prefident,  for  whom 
he  felt  all  oue  rcfpe£^,  could  not  fe-J  any  very  gieat 
fatisfaction  at  the  way  in  which  they  had  fet  our. 
This  is  the  fcope  and  fubftance  of  what  Mr.  Baldwiil 
faid.  In  the  courfe  of  his  fpeech  Mr.  Baldv/in  re- 
Siarked  that  many  members  had  been  puzzled  at 

M  3  wh-r 


i66  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

what  Mr.  Scott  intended  to  fay  about  the  concern  of 
democratic  focieiics  in  other  parts  of  the  Union, 
with  the  rioters.  Mr.  Scott  rofe  therefore  and  re- 
peated exaftly  what  he  had  faid  yefterday,  and  which 
the  reader  has  already  feen  in  our  account  of  yefter- 
day's  debate.  The  report  of  what  Mr.  Scott  then 
faid  agrees  minutely  with  his  own  explanation  of  ir, 
as  given  a  fecond  time  this  day. 

Mr.  Madifon  faid  that  he  entirely  agreed  with 
thofe  gentlemen  who  had  obferved  that  the  Houfe 
fhould  not  have  advanced  into  this  difcuflion,  if  it 
could  have  been  avoided,  but  having  proceeded 
thus  far  it  was  indifpcnfably  necelTary  to  finifli  it. 
Much  delicacy  had  been  thrown  into  the  difculTion, 
in  confequence  of  the  chief  magiflrate ;  he  always 
regretted  the  circumflance,  when  this  was  the  cafe. 
Mr,  Madifon  obferved  that  if  it  were  admitted  to  be 
true  that  the  Prcfident  really  had  this  opinion  afcri- 
bed  to  him,  an  afTumption  very  queflionable,  yet 
that  was  no  reafon  why  the  Houfe  fliould  defert  its 
own  judgment,  in  deference  to  his.  The  Prefident 
would  not  do  fo  by  them.  They  all  remembered 
that  once,  on  a  great  conftitutional  point,  the  Pre- 
ildent  had  differed  in  opinion  both  from  the  Senate 
and  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives,  and  he  candidly  laid 
his  opinion  before  the  two  Houfes,  and  Mr.  Madi- 
fon at  that  time,  which  he  did  not  now  mention  to 
make  a  merit  of  it,  was  of  opinion  with  the  Prefi- 
dent. This  difference  of  opinion  between  Ccngrefs 
and  the  Prefident  was  on  the  law  apportioning  the 
Reprefentatives.  Mr.  Madifon  faid  that  it  was  the 
glory  of  a  free  country  that  nothing  innocent  in  the 
eye  of  the  law  was  cognizable  by  any  body  of  men. 
He  reje^ed  the  idea  that  an  aftion  innocent  in  law 
could  be  the  objed  of  cenfure  to  a  legiilative  body. 
The  conftitution  had  been  extremely  cautious  of  en- 
trufling  them  with  any  power  to  intermeddle.    Were 

a  murder 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  167 

a  murder  or  any  other  crime  the  mod  horrid  that 
could  be  imagined,  to  be  perpetrated,  that  Houfe 
had  no  title  to  try  the  criminal.  In  order  to  come 
cxaftly  at  the  nature  of  a  proceeding,  the  way  was 
to  examine  its  principle,  and  that  principle  by  the 
confequences  to  which  it  led,  and  where  it  would 
naturally  end.  He  was  entirely  convinced  ihat,  in 
the  prefent  cafe,  the  effefts  would  be  extremely  per- 
nicious. If  we  advert  to  the  nature  of  republican 
government,  we  fliall  find  that  the  cenforial  power 
is  in  the  people  over  the  government,  and  not  in 
the  government  over  the  people.  If  the  Houfe  af- 
fumed  the  cenforial  power  implied  in  the  amendment, 
it  was  claiming  an  authority  which  he  had  never 
heard  of  its  claiming  before,  and  which  he  never 
ftiould  wifli  any  legiflative  body  to  poflefs.  The 
confequence  of  fuch  a  power  mud  be  the  end  of 
freedom.  This  vote  of  cenfure  would  be  a  fevere 
punifliment  on  the  perfons  compofmg  democratic 
focieties.  It  was  a  kind  of  attainder  hanging  out 
people  as  objefts  of  public  indignation.  He  was 
fure  that  gentlemen  did  not  mean  to  hold  up  the  fo- 
cieties to  popular  refentmenf  ?  It  cannot  be  faid  that 
this  meafure  is  to  be  of  any  fervice  in  giving  a  proper 
turn  to  the  minds  of  the  public.  For  the  whole 
continent  has  been  unanimous  in  condemning  the 
condudl  of  the  infurgents.  If  the  prefs  occafionally 
promulgates  untruths,  this  inconvenience  is  only  a 
neceffary  confequence  of  its  exiftence.  If  bad  men 
try  to  fubvert  the  government,  good  men  mud  la- 
bour to  fupport  it,  and  to  overpower  their  attempt?. 
Mr.  Madifon  faid  that  he  had  the  utmoft  faith  in  this 
principle,  which  is  the  bafis  of  Republican  govern- 
ment. The  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives  (land  on  good 
ground.  They  require  no  fuch  dangerous  expedient 
to  fufiain  their  authority  ;  and  at  a  future  period 
there  may  exift  a  legiflature  of  a  character  very  dif- 
M  4  ferenc 


i68  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

ferent  from  ihe  prefcrit,  and  to  whom  the  amend- 
ment before  the  Honfe  may  prefent  a  dangerous  pre-" 
cedent.  The  worfl:  confequenccs  may  take  their 
rife  from  fuch  a  beginning.  As  he  had  confidence 
in  the  good  fenfe  and  patriotifm  of  the  people,  he 
did  not  anticipate  any  laftin^L^  evil  to  refiilt  from  the 
publications  of  thcfe  focieties  ;  they  will  ftand  or  fall 
by  the  public  opinion  ;  no  line  can  be  drawn  in  this 
cafe.  The  law  is  the  only  rule  of  right ;  what  is 
confident  with  that  is  not  punifliable  ;  what  is  not 
contrary  to  that,  is  innocent,  or  at  lead  not  cenfu- 
rable  by  the  legiflative  body. 

With  refpect  to  the  body  of  the  people,  whether 
the  outrages  have  proceeded  from  v/eaknefs  or  wick- 
ednef?,  what  has  been  done,  and  will  be  done  by 
the  legillature  will  have  a  due  effe£l.  If  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  government  fliculd  not  have  an  effcft, 
will  this  declaration  produce  it  ?  The  people  at  large 
are  pofTeiTed  of  proper  fentiments  on  the  fubje^l:  of 
the  infurre£tion  ;  the  whole  continent  reprobates  the 
conduft  of  the  infurgents  ;  it  is  not  therefore  necef- 
fary  to  take'  the  extra  ftep.  The  prefs  he  believed 
would  not  be  able  to  fliake  the  confidence  of  the 
people  in  the  government.  In  a  republic,  light  will 
prevail  over  darknefs,  truth  over  error.  He  had  un- 
doubted confidence  in  this  principle.  If  it  be  ad- 
mitted that  the  law  cannot  animadvert  on  a  particu- 
lar cafe,  neither  can  we  do  it.  Governments  are 
adminiftered  by  men;  the  fame  degree  of  purity  docs 
not  always  exift.  Honefty  of  motives  may  at  pre- 
fent  j>revail,  but  this  affords  no  affurance  that  it  will 
always  be  the  cafe.  It  ought  always  to  be  kept  in 
mind  that  at  a  future  period  a  legillature  may  exifl 
of  a  very  different  complexion  from  the  prefent ;  in 
this  view,  we  ought  not  by  any  vote  of  ours  to  form 
a  hazardous  precedent.  He  obferved  that  the  mem- 
|j£r  from  Georgia  (IVIr.  Baldwin)  had  anticipated 

bh;i 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  169 

him  in  a  remark  that  there  was  no  conftitutional  ne- 
ceiTity  for  making  an  anfwer  to  the  fpcech,  if  the 
Houfe  could  not  agree  as  to  the  contents  of  it.  Mr. 
Madifon,  in  different  parts  of  his  fpeech,  adverted 
to  the  extreme  dehcacy  of  the  fituation  in  which  he 
found  himfelf,  and  his  foiicitude,  left  in  the  courfe 
of  the  difcuiiion,  there  fliould  be  any  appearance  of 
a  want  of  that  deference  and  rtfpe^t  for  the  Prefi- 
dent,  to  v/hich,  by  his  abilities,  his  fervices,  and 
his  virtues,  he  was  fo  highly  entitled.  He  agreed 
with  the  dcflrine,  that  the  people  have  a  right  to 
ccnfure  the  Houfe,  but  that  the  Houfe  have  not,  in 
their  character  of  a  Icgillarive  body,  any  right  to 
pafs  votes  of  cenfure  upon  the  people.  It  had  been 
faid  (by  Mr.  Dayton)  that  in  the  cafe  of  St.  Clair, 
the  Houfe  appointed  a  committee  of  enquiry,  and 
had  afTumed  it  as  their  right  to  pafs,  if  they  thought 
proper,  a  vote  of  cenfure  on  individuals.  But  here 
the  cafe  was  entirely  different.  General  St.  Clairj 
and  the  other  perfons  to  be  affected  by  that  enquiry, 
were  holding  public  offices,  and  amenable  to  go- 
vernment for  their  conduct.  The  democratic  focie- 
ties  do  not  come  under  tliis  defcription  ;  nor  v/as 
there,  Mr.  Madifon  believed,  in  the  whole  compafs 
of  the  proceedings  of  the  Houfe,  any  thing  that  re- 
fembled  this  propofed  amendment.  Inftitutions  ccn- 
feffediy  not  illegal,  are  not  objecls  of  legiflative 
cenfure. 

Mr.  Dexter  rofe  in  reply  to  Mr.  Madifon.  He  faid, 
that  if  he  viewed  the  fubje^l  in  a  light  as  trivial  as 
fome  gentlemen  appeared  to  do,  he  v/ould  not  trouble 
the  Houfe  with  any  further  remark?,  after  having  fo 
long  detained  them  v.'hile  in  commitiee  ;  if  he  viewed 
the  amendment  propofed  as  dangerous  to  the  moll 
perfeft  freedom  cf  expreffing  political  opinions,  as 
the  gentlemen  fcemed  to  do  who  v;as  up  lafl:,he  would 
^  the  lafl  to  fupport  it.     He   faid  that  the  mofl 

certain 


170  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

certain  way  to  deflroy  this  freedom  was  to  encou- 
rage an  unlimited  abufe  of  it  ;  and  the  way  to  ren- 
der a  free  prefs  ufelefs,  was  to  proftirute  it  to  the 
bafc  purpofes  of  party  and  falfehood,  until  wearied 
with  conftant  impofitions,  the  public  would  reject 
all  information  from  that  fource  as  uncertain  and 
delufive.  He  faid  that  the  moft  fuccefsful  weapon 
ufed  by  the  enemies  of  civil  freedom  ever  had  been, 
to  pufh  the  ideas  of  liberty  to  fuch  wild  extremes, 
as  to  render  it  impracticable  and  ridiculous,  and  thus 
to  compel  the  fober  part  of  the  community  to  fub- 
mit  to  ufurpation  as  a  lefs  evil  than  utter  infecu- 
rity  and  anarchy.  He  added,  if  America  lofes  her 
liberty,  this  will  be  the  inflrument  of  her  deflruc- 
tion.  We  poffefs,  he  faid,  greater  equality  of  pro- 
perty and  information  than  any  other  nation  ;  the 
means  of  fubfiftence  are  fo  eafily  obtained  that  no 
man  is  neccffarily  dependent  on  the  will  of  another : 
from  thefe  circumftances,  our  country  is  more  fit 
than  any  other  for  a  republican  form  of  govern- 
ment ;  if  we  fail  in  maintaining  it,  we  {hall  be  fairly 
confidered  to  have  made  an  experiment,  not  only 
for  ourfelves,  but  for  the  world  ;  which  will  prove, 
that  the  beautiful  theory  of  civil  freedom  is  not 
practicable  by  man ;  that  ambition  and  envy,  aided 
by  ignorance,  are  naturally  too  ftrong  for  patrio- 
tifm.  Mr.  Dexter  faid,  that  the  nature  of  civil  free- 
dom is  more  obfcure  than  its  real  friends  could 
wifh  ;  that  it  confifts  rather  in  what  it  forbids,  than  in 
what  it  allows  ;  that  man  was  free  before  he  became 
a  member  of  focieiy  ;  that  the  great  objeft  of  alfo- 
ciating  was  not  to  obtain  freedom,  for  that  was 
poffefled  before,  but  to  guard  againft  the  abufe  of 
it  in  violating  the  rights  of  others.  My  liberty, 
he  faid,  is,  that  all  other  citizens  are  retrained  from 
violating  my  rights  j  and  the  liberty  of  each  one 
of  them  is,   that  I  and  all  others  are  equally  re- 

flraincd 


■^mc 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  171 

drained  from  violating  his  rights.  Reflraint  then 
is  neccflary  to  conllitute  civil  liberty^  and  the  unifor- 
mity of  this  reftraint,  as  it  operates  equally  on  all 
clailes  of  citizens,  is  equality.  I  know,  fir,  that  a 
doftrine  very  different  from  this  has  been  held 
by  fome  falfe  apoftles  of  liberty,  and  that  the  afpi- 
ring,  the  vicious,  the  defperate,  and  the  weak  have 
flocked  to  this  ftandard  :  By  them  the  power  to  vio- 
late the  rights  of  others,  and  difturb  the  public 
peace  with  impunity,  has  been  profanely  called 
liberty ;  and  the  univerfality  of  this  has  been  called 
equality.  Can  I  be  a  freeman.  Sir,  if  the  govern- 
ment, which  is  my  only  fecurity  for  all  my  rights, 
may  be  invaded  with  impunity,  and  my  reputation, 
the  dearefl:  of  all  poiTefTions,  and  the  beft  revv^ard  of 
virtue,  blafted  by  the  foul  breath  of  flander  and 
falfehood  ?  When  this  fliall  be  admitted  as  a  prin- 
ciple in  the  American  code,  v.'e  fliall  call  that  free- 
dom which  will  be  our  mifery  ;  we  fliall  ceafe  to  de- 
ferve  liberty ;  we  fliall  need  a  mafler.  Let  men 
meet  for  deliberating  on  public  matters  ;  let  them 
freely  exprefs  their  opinions  in  converfations  or  in 
print,  but  let  them  do  this  with  a  decent  refpe^l  for 
the  ivill  of  the  majority^  and  for  the  government  and 
rulers  which  the  people  have  appointed  ;  let  them 
not  become  a  band  of  confpirators  to  make  and  pro- 
pagate falfehood  and  flander  ;  let  them  not  inftigate 
to  the  highefl  crimes  againft;  fociety ;  and,  Sir,  if 
any  have  fo  done,  let  not  us  encourage  them  in 
thefe  outrages,  by  calling  them  the  exercife  of  the 
inviolable  rights  of  freemen.  To  fufi'er  mifrenre- 
fentations  of  government  to  gain  credit  among  the 
people,  is  giving  a  blow  to  the  weakeft  part  of  cur 
government.  It  would  be  a  moft  important  political 
acquifition  if  means  could  be  devifed  to  fcatter 
through  the  union,  true  ideas  of  the  meafures  of 
governmeKt.     The  beft  intentions  cannot  now  guard 

the 


172  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

the  citizens  from  being  deceived  by  the  cunning  and 
depraved  ;  fome  improvement  on  this  fubje£i:  feeras 
elTentially  necelTary  to.  perfeft  the  fyftem  of" poHtical 
freedom.     Scattered  as  our  countrymen  are,  over 
an  immenfe  country,  and  employed  in  ufeful  induf- 
iry,  perhaps  this  is  rather  to  be  willied  for  than  ex- 
pelled ;  but   v/e  can  at  lead  take  meafures  to  pre- 
vent the  moft  fatal   effefts  from  mifrcprcfentations 
and  fcandal.     Mr.  Dexter  faid  he  had  made  thefe 
remarks  as  being  applicable  to  mofl  of  the  reafon- 
ing  againfl  the  propofed  amendment,  and  particu- 
larly to  that  of  the  gentleman  from  Virginia  who 
laft  fat  down  (Mr.  Madifon.)      He  was  no   more 
inclined  to   infringe    rights  which  the    people  had 
referved  than  that  gentleman,  but  he  did  not  know 
any  article  or  principle  of  the  confiitution  by  which 
the  people  had  referved  to  themfelves  the  precious 
right  of   vilifying    and    mifreprefenting  their    own 
government  and  laws,  and  exciting  treafon  and  re- 
bellion with   impuniry.      However    ineftimable  the 
right  of  free  difcuffion  of  public  matters  and  of  a 
public  prefs  might    be,   and  no  man  valued    them 
more   highly  than   himfelf,  he  thought  that  when 
they  were  fo  abufed  as  to  become  hoftile  to  liberty 
and  threaten  her  deflruction,  the  abufes  ought  to 
be  correfted ;  and  he  argued  from  the  principle  of 
felf-prefervation.  that  the  government  of  eveiy  coun- 
try mull  have  the  right  to  do  fo.      Unlefs   thofe 
are  more  facred  than  the  very  liberty  they  are  de- 
figned  to  fecure,  this  cannot  be  denied.     Mr.  Dex- 
ter obferved,    that    Mr.    Madifon  had    flated  as  a 
principle,  from  which  to  argue,  and  on  which  al> 
mod  all  his  dedu^ions  were  founded,  a  propofuion 
fo  doubtful  in    itfelF,    that  it    ought  rather    to  be 
proved  than  alTumed  as  a  lirfl  principle  from  which 
to  reafon,  viz.  that  we  cannot  rightfully  intermed- 
dle in   any  way  with   a  fubje£l  which-  we  cannot 

regulate 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  173 

regulate  by  law.  Admitting  it  to  be  a  true  and 
f-lf  evident  propofition,  however,  he  faid,  it  con- 
cluded nothing  againd  the  amendment ;  for  it  would 
ftill  remain  to  be  proved,  which  it  never  could  be, 
that  the  legiflature  had  no  right  to  reftrain  fuch 
abufes  by  law.  He  did  not  think  it  neceflary  or 
expedient  to  miake  any  law  on  the  fubjefl:;  he  hoped 
it  never  would  be  ;  but  he  did  not  doubt  the  right 
to  forbid  fuch  flagrant'  outrages  on  focial  order, 
and  all  arts  tending  to  produce  them.  There  can 
be  ro  better  proof,  he  faid,  that  fuch  laws  may 
he  made  than  that  they  now  exift.  Mr.  Madifon 
had  mentioned  religious  focieties  as  not  to  be  pro- 
hibited by  law ;  as  fuch  Mr.  Dexter  faid  they 
clearly  could  not  be,  no  more  could  harmlefs  dif- 
cUiHons  of  political  fubje£ls  by  individuals  or  alTo- 
ciations  ;  but  would  any  man  doubt,  when  under 
the  pretence  of  the  exercife  of  thefe  rights,  the 
blacked  crimes  were  inftigated  and  perpetrated, 
that  the  law  had  a  right  to  punifli.?  The  clubs 
have  Vv'aged  war,  not  only  with  the  government 
which  the  people  have  inflituted,  and  the  rulers 
v/hom  ihey  have  appointed,  but  they  have  coun- 
teracted all  the  mod  elTential  principles  of  repub- 
licanifm.  They,  being  a  fmall  minority,  have  at- 
tempted to  coniroul  the  majority  ;  to  ufurp  a  power 
which  the  people  never  delegated  to  them,  to  a£t 
as  cenfors,  nay  controulers,  of  the  government  and 
laws ;  they  arc  refponfible  to  nobody  for  the  exer- 
cife of  it,  and  are  to  continue  in  office  as  long  as 
they  fliall  pleafe.  Such  focieties  have  all  the  pro- 
perties, except  the  power,  of  abfolute  defpotifm  ; 
yet  thefe  tyrants  prate  about  liberty,  and  profane 
the  name  of  repubiicanifm.  Mr.  Dexter  adverted 
to  Mr.  Madifon*s  obfervation,  that  the  cenfure  in- 
tended muft  be  a  punifhmenr,  and  that  the  Houfe 
had  no  condituticnal  right  to  convi<5t  of,  or  punifli 

for 


174  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

for  crimes.  If  the  propofed  amendment  be  a  pc- 
nifhment,  he  faid,  it  is  of  a  fmgular  kind ;  it  is 
punifliment  in  the  abftrafV,  without  an  objeft  pu- 
nifhed.  It  fays  that  certain  felf-created  focieries 
have  trefpaifed ;  can  this  be  called  a  ftigma  en  all 
fuch  focieties  ?  The  word  certain  forbids  this  con^ 
llruftion.  Which  fociety  is  punifhed  ?  None,  unlefs 
confcience  or  public  opinion  (hall  defignate  the  ob- 
jeft.  The  Prefidenr,  in  another  part  of  his  addrefs, 
has  lamented  that  certain  citizens  have  (hewn  them- 
felves  capable  of  an  infurreftion,  and  we  have  done 
the  fame  in  our  anfwer  ;  is  this  a  ftigma  on  all  citi- 
zens ?  It  had  been  repeatedly  faid,  that  the  meafure 
is  unnecelfary,  becaufe  the  danger  has  fubfided  ; 
but  he  aiked,  is  it  not  neceifary  to  inform  the  peo- 
ple from  whence  the  evil  arofe,  to  guard  againft  a 
repetition  of  it !  Can  we  always  prefume  on  the 
fame  prompt  patriotifm  of  a  future  Executive ;  or 
the  fame  public  confidence  in  his  raeafures,  and  com- 
pliance with  his  requifitions  ?  or  on  the  fame  good 
fortune  in  reclaiming  or  fubjugating  the  difobe- 
dienr?  There  was  a  time  when  the  infurre£tion 
was  truly  formidable ;  it  rofe  like  a  water-fpout, 
threatening  to  annihilate  gravity,  and  throw  the 
ocean  to  Heaven  ;  as  that  by  force  of  the  general 
principle  of  attraction  returns  again  to  its  former 
level,  and  mixes  with  the  furrounding  waters,  fo 
this  civil  tumult  has  been  overcome  by  the  energy 
of  the  laws  ;  but  it  is  folly  to  incur  furure  evils,  pre- 
faming  on  fimilar  good  fortune.  The  heavy  hand 
of  dtfpotifm  may  forcibly  hold  down  the  fcale  which 
preponderates,  and  preierve  public  order  ;  but  in 
free  ciiablifliments  like  ours,  where  the  fcales  are 
nicely  balanced,  the  fmalleft  breath  difturbs  the  equi- 
librium. A  gentleman  from  Virginia  (Mr.  Giles) 
has  compared  the  amendment  to  the  denunciations 
of  France.      Thofe  were  not  uttered  by  the  organs 

of 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  175 

of  the  public  will ;  they  were  denunciations  of  indi- 
viduals, or  felf-created  focieties  againft  individuals  ; 
whereas  this  is  neither.  This  is  only  dating  a  fact 
for  public  information.  The  fame  gentleman,  and 
many  others,  have  faid  that  we  have  not  fufficient 
evidence  of  this  faft.  We  know,  Sir,  that  refolu- 
tions  of  fuch  focieties  encouraging  rebellion,  were 
made  and  publiihed  ;  we  know  that  their  natural  cf- 
feft  did  take  place.  Knowing  then  both  the  caufe 
and  eifed,  can  we  doubt  of  their  connexion  ?  If  I  fee 
a  firelock  pointed  at  a  man,  hear  the  difcharge,  and 
fee  the  man  fall,  and  if  on  infpe^ion  1  find  a  ball  lodged 
in  his  body,  can  I  doubt  as  to  the  caufe  of  the  death 
of  the  man,  becaufe  I  could  not  fee  the  ball  pafs 
from  the  muzzle  to  the  man  ?  Mad  we  fee  things 
in  their  nature  invifible,  before  we  believe?  The 
Prefident  has  been  prefent  at  the  fcene  of  infurrec- 
tion ;  we  have  his  tcftimony  on  the  fubje£l:,  and 
other  official  communications  are  not  wanting.  Wc 
have  the  pointed  teftimony  of  the  member  from 
Pennfylvania  (Mr.  Scott),  who  was  an  eye  wirnefs. 
He  tells  us  that  the  club  there  direfted  the  infur- 
re£l:ion ;  that  the  fame  men  were  leaders  in  the 
club  and  in  the  field  ;  and  that  they  correfponded 
with  other  clubs.  The  gentleman  from  Virginia, 
lafl  alluded  to,  had  faid  that  difcontent  and  diflurb- 
ance  exifted  there  prior  to  the  eftablifliment  of 
clubs.  But  does  it  follow  from  this  that  their  mea- 
fures,  when  eftabliflied,  did  not  increafe  the  evil, 
and,  by  deceiving  the  malcontents  as  to  the  princi- 
ples and  conduct  of  the  government,  and  the  difpo- 
fition  of  the  people,  encourage  them  to  take  arms  ? 
The  clubs  declared  that  they  fpoke  the  opinion  of  the 
people,  and  the  deluded  infurgents  believed  them. 
The  fame  gentleman  has  faid,  that  the  Prefident  ad- 
drefles  the  public,  and  not  us,  on  this  ful^jefi:,  and 
therefore  does  not  expe£l  an  anfwer.     Why,  Sir, 

fliall 


176  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

fliall  we  not  join  in  the  addrefs,  if  it  be  true  and 
ufcfiil  ?  The  Sen  cite  have  done  it ;  if  we  do  not, 
we  feem  to  contradict  it.  If  we  do  not,  we  create 
a  dangerous  difagreeraent  between  the  different 
branches  of  Government,  diftraft  the  public  mind, 
and  encourage  diforders.  If  the  member  from 
Pennfyivania  is  to  be  credited,  and  no  man  will  dif- 
piite  his  tediraon}'-,  the  clubs  arc  more  criminal  than 
the  deluded  infurgents ;  yet  we  have  cenfured  the 
latter  without  referve.  Why,  Sir,  has  the  gentle- 
man from  Virginia  (Mr.  Giles),  criminated  fo  feverely 
cur  zeal  on  this  queflion  ?  Why  has  he  condemned 
the  oratory  it  has  excited,  when  he  often  gives  us 
fuch  handfomc  fpf  cimens  of  it  ?  If  liberty  and  our 
country  are  in  danger,  it  is  treafon  to  be  cold. 
From  the  gentleman's  cenfures  on  the  loofe  reafon- 
ing  and  warmth  in  favour  of  the  amendment,  we 
were  led  to  expcCl  from  him  the  moft  difpaffionate 
demonftration  ;  yet  the  gentleman  appeared  in  fome 
of  his  reafoning  more  ingenious  than  folid  ;  it  was 
too  fine  fpun  to  be  ftrong.  The  (Irength  of  his  un- 
derflanding,  like  the  intenfe  heat  of  the  fun,  pro- 
duced a  vapour  to  obfcure  its  own  eifulgence.  One 
plain  diftinclion  is  an  iinfvver  to  moft  of  the  reafon- 
ing of  this  gentleman  and  his  colleagues.  We  do 
not  contend  for  controuling,  or  even  animadverting, 
on  the  rights  of  opinion  or  of  publifliing  opinions. 
We  wifli  only  to  call  the  attention  of  the  public  to 
the  abufes  of  thofe  rights,  and  the  crimes  that  fuch 
abufes  have  produced,  vvliich  endanger  the  exifl- 
ence  of  thofe  very  rights,  and  liberty  in  general  ; 
in  order  that  the  people,  knowing  the  evil,  may 
themfclves  correft  ir. 

In  the  courfe  of  this  fpeech,   while  Mr.  Dexter 

was    quoting    Mr.     Madifon,    he   was   interrupted 

by  that  gentleman,  who  declared  that  Mr.  Dexter 

had  entirely  miftakcn  his  meaning.     Mr.  Dexter  had 

I  faid. 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  177 

faid,  that  according  to  Mr.  Madifon  the  Hoaife  might 
very  rcaJily  ciifbclieve  fa£i:s  laid  before  ihem  on  the 
authority  or  the  Prefident.  The  member  from  Vir- 
ginia exphiined,  that  he  never  entertained  any  idea 
of  this  kiud.  He  only  aflerted  that  it  might  be  fo 
in  matters  of  opinion,  fuch  as  whether  the  democra- 
tic focieties  in  other  parts  of  the  union  had  indi- 
gated  the  diilurbances  in  the  four  weftern  counties. 
But  Mr.  Madifon  faw  no  evidence  that  the  Prefident 
intended  to  convey  fuch  an  opinion. 

Mr.  Nicholas  apologifed  for  again  troubhng  the 
Houfe.  Two  members  (Mr.  Ames  and  Mr.  Dex- 
ter) had  left  the  fubjr<5i:  pretifely  where  they  found 
it.  Ihty  had  fallen  fo  far  flioit  of  their  promifes, 
he  felt  fuch  an  impreiTion  from  having  heard  their 
obfervations,  that  it  was  impolTible  for  him  to  re- 
main filent ;  and  he  therefore  mufl  cad  himfelf  on 
the  indulgence  of  the  Houfe.  Gentlemen  now  be- 
gin to  ufe  a  mod  extraordinary  argument,  viz,  the 
dangerous  confequences  that  would  refult  from 
giving  a  negative  to  tiiis  queftion,  as  to  the  effetls  that 
it  would  have  on  the  minds  of  the  public.  Gentle- 
men faid,  fince  the  queftion  has  been  ilartcd  you 
muft  vote  this  way,  becaufe  upon  a  comparifon  of 
mifchiefs,  the  rejection  of  the  amendment  will  be 
attended  with  much  the  greateft  dauLier.  Mr.  Ni- 
cholas confidered  this  kind  of  reafoning  as  altoge- 
ther unfair.  If  any  bad  confequences  refiilt  from 
negativing  the  amendment,  the  blame  mull  fall  ex- 
clufively  on  thofe  who  introduced  it.  Genilemen, 
v/ho  from  the  befl;  motives  have  uniformly  oppofed 
it,  are  not  to  be  told  that  they  ought  to  vote  for  it, 
becaufe  the  refufal  will  be  attended  with  fuch  or 
fuch  effefts.  With  thcfe  Mr.  Nicholas  had  nothing 
to  do.  Thofe  who  introduced  the  amendment  (liould 
have  forefeen  the  confequences  of  its  being  refufed. 
To  reafon  in  this  way  u'as  to  aft  upon  an  alarming 

N  principle. 


178  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

principle.  The  member  again  denied  that  there 
was  any  evilence  before  the  Houfe  which  could 
juftify  this  vote  of  cenfure.  He  complained  that 
the  name  of  the  Prefident  had  been  too  much  intro- 
duced into  this  bufmefs.  He  ci^ed  an  expreJTion  of 
Mr.  Hillhoufe.  That  member  rofe  and  declared 
that  his  meaning  had  been  miflaken.  Mr.  Nicholas 
remarked,  that  if  every  thing  which  was  al- 
leged againft  the  democratic  focieties  had  been  juft, 
if  it  was  true  that  they  had  never  publiflicd  any 
thing  but  lies,  they  would  long  fmce  have  been 
blafted  [the  member  employed  a  Itronger  expref- 
fion]  in  this  country.  The  end  of  their  inftirution 
was  to  difcover  and  point  out  the  faults  of  govern- 
ment. Now,  if  they  are  not  to  be  fuffered  to  do 
this,  if  their  ftyle  mud  be  reflri^led  to  panegyric  on 
the  meafures  of  the  legiflature,  the  whole  defign  of 
their  inftitution  is  fruflrated,  and  ihcy  never  can  do 
any  good.  Mr.  Nicholas  thought  that  the  gentle- 
man lad  up  had  employed  a  very  odd  fort  of  argu- 
ment in  favour  of  the  amendment.  He  had  recom- 
mended the  vote  of  cenfure  to  favour,  becaufe  it 
was  indefinite,  and  pointed  at  nobody  in  particular. 
"  Now,'*  faid  Mr.  Nicholas,  "  that  is  the  very  beft 
argument,  the  very  ftrongefl:  rea  on  which  I  can 
imagine,  for  rejeifling  ir.  An  accufation  is  brought 
forward,  and  the  Houfe  are  required  to  vote  for  it, 
becaufe  it  is  indefinite  ;  in  other  words,  becaufe  no- 
body can  tell  ivbo  are  the  perfons  guilty.''* 

Mr.  Montgomery  Vvas  of  opinion  that  Mr.  Dex- 
ter, and  fome  members  on  that  fide  of  the  quellion, 
had  laid  much  ftrefs  upon  a  very  infignifirant  fort 
of  argument.  You  mud  vote  this  way,  or  that 
way,  becaufe  if  you  do  not,  the  citizens  of  the 
United  States  wil!  imagine  that  the  whole  Houfe  of 
Reprefentativ'is  are  in  favour  of  democratic  focieties. 
One  gentlem.an  (Mr.  Ames)  had  told  us  that  fame, 

or 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.       "  179 

or  calumny,  with  one  hundred,  or  one  hundred 
thoufand  tongues,  was  flying  over  every  port  road 
on  the  continent,  and  proclaiming  that  forty-five  or 
forty-feven  members  of  Congrefs  were  in  favour  of 
democratic  focieties.  It  had  Hkewife  been  alleged, 
that  if  the  amendment  could  be  carried,  the  people 
would  confider  the  whole  weight  of  the  Houfe 
of  Reprefentatives  againfl  the  focieties.  Mr. 
Montgomery  confidered  this  reafoning  as  entirely 
chimerical.  The  people  knew  by  this  time,  as 
well  as  the  Houfe  itfelf  did,  that  they  were  di- 
vided by  a  majority  of  one  or  two,  and  which  ever 
party  gained  the  victory,  the  people  would  pay  as 
much  refpeft  to  the  votes  of  forty-five  members  on 
one  fide,  as  of  forty-feven  on  the  other.  The  trif- 
ling difference  of  two  or  three  votes  would  make  no 
impreffion  whatever,  in  forming  the  fentiments  of 
the  public.  Did  gentlemen  imagine  that  the  Pre- 
fident,  admitting  that  he  was  in  any  way  interefted 
in  their  decifion,  could  feel  any  great  fatisfa^tion  in 
a  majority  of  forty-feven  againft  forty-fix  ?  or  was 
the  weight  of  the  forty-fix  members  to  be  deftroyed 
with  the  public,  merely  becaufe  they  happened  10 
be  out-voted  by  fuch  a  narrow  majority  ?  If  the 
amendment  was  voted  at  all,  it  would  be  in  this  way, 
and  he  could  not  pofiTibly  fee  what  advantage  any 
party  was  to  reap  from  having  fuch  a  majority. 
The  people  at  large  knew,  as  well  as  the  Houfe, 
the  flate  of  votes  on  the  amendment,  and,  at  any 
rate,  they  will  judge  for  themfelves.  He  wiflied  the 
thing  to  fall  afleep,  and  as  the  mofl  peaceable  way 
to  get  rid  of  it,  he  Ihould,  if  feconded,  move  the 
previous  queflion. 

Several  gentlemen  arofe  to  fecond  this  motion. 
Mr.  Sedgwick  and  Mr.  Dayton  declared  that  it  was 
out  of  order  to  make  fuch  a  motion.  It  would  bring 
the  Houfe  into  fuch  a  dilemma  that  tliey  could  not 

N  2  get 


i3o  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

get  forward  with  the  bufmefs,  either  one  way  or 
another.  After  fome  difpiite  this  point  of  form 
was  referred  to  the  Speaker,  He  declared  that  the 
motion  for  a  previous  queftion  was  out  of  order, 
becaufe  it  was  a  queftion  on  an  amendinent,  and  not 
on  a  main  queftion. 

The  Houfe  were  then  going  to  divide,  when  Mr. 
Carnes  got  up. 

He  was  entirely  againft  the  amendment.  It  de- 
nounced vengeance  againft  all  focieties  ;  this  was 
extremely  unjuft.  It  would  be  better  for  the  Houfe 
to  fpeak  out  like  men,  and  name  the  culprits.  Let 
a  committee  be  appointed,  if  we  mnft  take  notice 
of  the  affair,  and  let  them  enquire  and  report  what 
was  the  real  caufe  of  the  late  infurre^lion.  Mr. 
Carnes  gave  an  inftance  of  a  democraiical  fociety 
that  turned  out  as  volunteers  againft  the  rioters. 
*'  Do  we  think,'*  faid  Mr.  Carnes,  '*  thut  the  Pre- 
fident  interefts  himfelf  in  our  addrefs.  Sir,  that  cha- 
racter is  not  to  be  amufed  with  trifles.  He  is  not  to 
be  tickled  with  the  turn  of  a  paragraph.  What !  are 
we  to  anfwer  a  line  and  an  half  of  a  fpeech,  with  a 
vote  that  ftrikes  at  the  foul  of  all  fociety  ?  Are  we  to 
f)oint  the  finger  of  execration  indifcriminately  ?  What 
will  be  the  cffed,  Sir,  of  this  condnft  ?  A  gentle- 
man (Mr.  Sedgwick)  told  you  the  other  day,  that 
democratic  focieties  had  produced  the  infurre£l:ion  ; 
but  when,  in  the  courfe  of  his  obfervations,  he  be- 
came a  little  more  animated,  he  told  us  that  a  fo- 
rei.^n  envoy.  Genet,  had  been  the  caufe  of  all  this 
mifchicf.  If  this  be  true,  the  democratic  focieties 
are  innocent.  Sir,  by  this  amendment  you  would 
prevent  the  freedom  of  fpeech,  and  lock  up  the 
mouths  of  men.  They  are  not  to  cenfure  the  m^ea- 
fures  of  government,  and  then  bad  men  may  do 
what  they  pleafe  with  it.  I  hope,  Sir,  that  the  day 
will  never  come  when  the  people  of  America  fhall 

not 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  i8i 

not  have  leave  to  aflemble  and  fpeak  their  mind. 
It  is  acknowledged  that  this  affair  is  not  an  objeft 
of  juhcial  cognizincc.  This  overtraining  always 
defeats  its  ov/n  purpofe.  The  trials  of  Muir  and 
others,  on  flin^ifey  grounds,  have  done  more  fervice 
to  the  caufe  of  their  party,  than  if  they  had  re- 
ceived a  reinforcement  of  five  thoufand  fighting 
men.'*  Mr.  Carnes  next  adverted  to  "  the  poor 
figure  of  a  fore  backed  horfe.'*  As  to  the  com- 
parifon  between  this  bufinefi  and  that  of  St.  Clair's 
failure,  there  was  no  fort  of  fimilarity  or  corr-ifpon- 
dence  between  them.  In  that  cafe  the  Houfe  had 
employed  fervants,  and  was  entitled  to  look  into 
their  conduft.  The  prefent  amendment,  on  the 
contrary,  holds  up  no  determinate  objecf,  and  has 
ill-nature  and  afperity  on  the  very  face  of  it.  When 
the  Prefident,  in  his  fpeech,  mentioned  the  felF- 
created  focieties,  he  did  not  addrefs  himfelf  to  the 
Houfe  of  Reprefentatives,  but  to  the  people  at 
large.  But  if  it  was  to  become  the  rule,  in  framing 
a  reply,  to  make  it  an  exaft  echo  cf  the  fpeech  it- 
felf,  if  there  was  no  nccelTuy  for  exerciimg  our 
judgments,  he  confidered  the  Houfe  as  lofmg  time. 
It  would  be  much  better  to  take  the  fpeech  at  once, 
turn  the  other  end  uppermofl,  and  fent  it  back  to 
the  Prefident  as  fait  as  poillble.  As  to  this  all-pow- 
erful refolution  which  was  to  go  into  thefe  dark 
cells,  of  which  the  Houfe  had  been  told,  it  would 
be  much  better  to  give  the  gentleman  (Mr.  W. 
Smith)  a  blacking  brulli,  and  fend  him  into  them, 
to  mark  out  the  guilty.  The  Houfe  would  then 
know  how  to  proceed.  Mr.  Carnes  objefted  to  Mr. 
Dexter's  comparifon,  cf  a  man  fliot  dead  by  a  ball. 
He  wanted  the  gentleman  to  fiiew  him  the  bullet, 
or,  in  plain  terms,  to  fhew  him  a  letter  from  the 
democratic  focieties  of  New-. York  or  Philadelphia, 
addreiTed  to  the  wellcrn  peoplcj  and  exciting  therai 

N  3  to 


i82  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

to  infurre£tion  ;  but  as  the  gentlemen  could  fhew 
him  no  fuch  thing,  Mr.  Games,  utterly  denied  the 
propriety  of  the  parallel. 

Mr.  W.  Smith  thought  it  fonnewhat  ftrange  that 
at  this  time  of  day,  members  fliould  be  calling  for 
fafts,  when  thefe  are  fo  well  known  to  all  the  Houfe. 
He  then  opened  a  volume  of  newfpapers,  and  read 
a  fet  of  refolutions,  dated  8th  of  May  laft,  adopted 
and  publifhed  by  the  Democratic  Society  of  Phila- 
delphia.    They  are  as  follows  : 

Refolved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  fociety,  that  the 
conltitution  of  the  United  States,  the  facred  inftru- 
ment  of  our  freedom  which  every  public  officer  has 
fworn  to  preferve  inviolate,  has  provided,  that  the 
different  departments  of  the  government  {hould  be 
kept  diilint^t ;  and  confequently  that  to  unite  them  is 
a  violation  of  it,  and  an  encroachment  upon  the  li- 
berties of  the  people  guaranteed  by  that  inftrument. 

Refolved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  fociety,  that,  as 
by  the  conflitution  all  treaties  are  declared  to  be  the 
fuprerae  law  of  the  land,  it  becomes  the  duty  of  the 
judiciary  to  expound  and  apply  them  ;  to  permit, 
therefore,  an  officer  in  that  department  to  (hare  in 
their  formation  is  to  unite  diftinft  functions  and  tends 
to  level  the  barriers  of  our  freedom,  and  to  eftablilh 
precedents  pregnant  with  danger. 

Refolved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  fociety,  that  juf- 
tice  requires,  and  the  fecurity  of  the  citizens  of  the 
United  States  claims  an  independence  in  the  judiciary 
power ;  that  permitting  the  executive  to  beftow  of- 
fices of  honour  and  profit  upon  judges,  is  to  make 
them  fubordinate  to  that  authority,  is  to  make  them 
its  creatures,  rather  than  the  unprejudiced  and  in- 
flexible guardians  of  the  conflitution  and  the  laws. 

Refolved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  fociety,  that  from 
the  nature  and  terms  of  an  impeachment  againft  a 
Prefident,  it  is  not  only  necelTary  that  the  chief  juf- 

tice 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  1^3 

tke  of  the  United  States  (hoiild  prefide  in  the  Senate, 
but  that  he  fliould  be  above  the  biafs  which  the  ho- 
nors and  emoluments  in  the  gift  of  the  executive 
might  create  ;  that  it  is,  therefore,  contrary  to  the 
intent  and  fpirit  of  the  conllitution  to  give  him  a  fo- 
reign miffion,  or  to  annex  any  office  10  that  which 
he  already  holds. 

Refolved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  fociety,  that 
every  attempt  to  fuperfede  legiflative  fundions  by 
executive  interference,  is  highly  dangerous  to  the 
independence  of  the  legiilature,  and  fubveifive  ©f 
the  right  of  reprefentation. 

Refolved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  fociery,  that  the 
appointment  of  John  Jay,  chief  juftice  of  the  United 
States,  as  envoy  extraordinary  to  the  court  of  Great 
Britain,  is  contrary  to  the  fpirit  and  meaning  of  the 
conftitution  ;  as  it  unites  in  the  fame  perfon  judicial 
and  legiflative  fnnftions,  tends  to  m^ke  him  depen- 
dant upon  the  Prefident,  deftroys  the  check  by  im- 
peachment upon  the  executive,  and  has  had  a  ten- 
dency to  conrroul  the  proceedings  of  the  legiflature, 
the  appointment  having  been  made  at  a  time,  when 
Congrefs  were  engaged  in  fuch  meafures  as  tended 
to  fecure  a  compliance  with  our  jufi:  demands. 

Refolved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  fociety,  that  after 
the  declaration  made  by  John  Jay,  that  Great  Bri- 
tain was  juftifiable  in  her  detention  of  the  weftern 
ports,  it  was  a  facrifice  of  the  interefts  and  the  peace 
of  the  United  States  to  commit  a  negociation  to  him, 
in  which  the  evacuation  of  thofe  pods  ought  to  form 
an  eflfential  part ;  that  to  abandon  them  is  to  put  at 
Hake  the  blood  of  our  fellow  citizens  on  the  fron- 
tiers, is  to  give  birth  to  a  perpetual  military  eftablifli- 
raent,  an  endlefs  war,  and  all  the  oppreflions  re- 
fulting  from  excife  and  heavy  taxation. 

Refolved,  Thar  the  above  refoluiions  be  made 
public,  that  they  be  immediately  tranfmitted  to  all 

N  4  the 


1 84  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

the  democratic  focieties  in  the  union,  as  a  protefl 
of  freemen  againfl  the  moft  unconftitutional  and  dan- 
gerous meafure  in  the  annals  of  the  United  States, 
and  as  an  evidence,  that  no  influence  or  authority 
whatever  fliall  awe  them  into  a  tacit  facrifice  of  their 
facred  rights. 

By  order  of  the  fociety. 

J.  Smith  Prefid.  pro  tem. 
Geo.  Booth,  Secretary. 

Mr.  Smith  next  obferved,  that  individual  legilla- 
tures  in  the  union  had  paffed  votes  of  cenfure  on  this 
Houfe,  and  he  did  not  fee,  by  a  parity  of  reafoning. 
why  the  Houfe  might  not  alfo  pafs  votes  of  cenfure. 
Mr.  Smith  faid,  that  there  hid  been  a  great  change 
in  the  fentimems  of  fome  members  of  that  Houie. 
.About  two  years  ago  the  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives, 
had  determined  by  thirty  five  votes  againft  fixteen, 
to  pafs  an  opinion  on  the  new  conflitution  of  France, 
and  the  gentlemen  who  had  then  exercifed  the  right 
of  p.ifTing  opinions,  now  denied  that  the  Houfe  had 
it.  Mr.  Smith  concluded  by  faying,  that  the  Prefi- 
dent  had  denounced  the  democratic  focieties,  and 
they  had  denounced  him. 

Mr.  Giles  rofe  and  faid  that  the  charge  of  incon- 
fiftency  refted  with  the  member  lafl  up,  who  in  the 
cafe  referred  to,  had  afferted  that  the  Houfe  had  no 
right  to  pafs  a  vote  of  opinion,  yet,  on  the  prefent 
queflion,  infifled  that  they  had.  Mr.  Giles  was  one 
of  the  thirty  five,  who  voted  for  an  exercife  of  opi- 
nion, but  this  was  only  for  returning  a  civil  anfwer 
to  a  civil  letter  from  the  Republic  of  France.  The 
gentlemen  who  gave  that  vote  for  an  anfwer  knew, 
that  they  were  to  give  an  opinion,  where  they  could 
nor  legislate.  There  was  therefore  no  inconfidency 
on  the  part  of  thefe  members  j  but  with  the  gentle- 
man 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  185 

man  from  Somh-Carolina.  Mr.  Giles  informed  the 
Houfe  of  his  having,  this  moment,  learned,  that  in 
the  army,  in  the  weftern  counties,  there  was  no- 
thing talked  of,  but  overturning  democrarie  foci- 
eties.  No  body  could  tell  where  this  matter  might 
end. 

Mr.  Smith  replied  that  he  voted  againfl:  returning 
the  anfwer  to  the  French  Republic,  becaufe  their 
new  Conliitution  appeared  to  him  unliable,  and  fo, 
in  the  fequel  it  had  proved,  for  they  themfelves 
have  fmce  voted  that  it  was  dangerous  to  their  liber- 
tics.  He  did  not  vcte  againfl:  the  right,  but  that 
particular  exercife  of  it. 

The  queftion  was  then  put ;  fliall  the  words  felf- 
created  focieties  and  be  replaced  in  the  amendment 
of  Mr.  Fitzfimons.  This  was  carried  by  a  majority 
of  47  againft  45.  Tiie  Yeas  and  Nays  were  de- 
manded and  taken  on  this  quefl:ion. 

Thofe  who  voted  in  the  afSrmative,  are, 

Fiflier  Ames,  Samuel  Griffin, 

James  Armftrong,  William  Barry  Grove, 

John  Beatty,  Thomas  Hartley, 

Elias  Boudinot,  J.mies  Hillhoufc, 

Shea  jafhub  Bourne,  William  Hindman, 

Benjamin  Bourne,  Samuel  Holten, 

Lambert  Cadwalader,  John  Wilkes  Kittera, 

David  Cobb,  Henry  Latimer, 

Peleg  Cciffin,  Amafa  Learned, 

Jolhua  C:  'it,  Richard  Bland  Lee, 

William  J.  Dawfon,  Francis  Malbone, 

Jonathan  Dayton,  William  Vans  Murray, 

Samuel  Dexter,  Thomas  Scott, 

Thomas  Fitzfimons,  Theodore  Sedgwick, 

Dvvight  Fofter,  John  S.  Sherburne, 

Ezekiel  Gilbert,  Jeremiah  Smith, 

Nicholas  Gilman,  William  Smith, 

Henry  Glen,  Zephaniah  Swift, 


Benjamin  Goodhue,  George  Thatcher, 

James  Gordon,  Uriah  Tracey, 


Jonathan 


i86 


POLITICAL  REGISTER. 


Jonathan  Trumbull, 
John  E.  Van  AUen, 
Peter  Van  Gaafbeck, 
Peleg  Wadfworth, 


Artemas  Ward, 
John  Watts,  and 
Paine  WingatCi 


Thofe  who  voted  in  the  negative,  are 


Theodoras  Bailey, 
Abraham  Baldwin, 
Thomas  Blount, 
Thomas  P.  Carnes, 
Gabriel  Chriftie, 
Thomas  Claiborne, 
Ifaac  Coles, 
Henry  Dearborn, 
George  Dent, 
Gabriel  Duvall, 
William  Findley, 
WUliam  B.  Giles, 
Jam^s  Gillefpie, 
Chriftopher  Greenup, 
Andrew  Gregg, 
George  Hancock, 
Carter  B.  Harrifon, 
John  Heath, 
Daniel  Keifter, 
John  Hunter, 
Matthew  Locke, 
William  Lyman, 
Nathaniel  Macon, 


James  Madifon, 
Jofeph  M'Dowell, 
Alexander  Mebane, 
William  Montgomery, 
Andrew  Moore, 
Peter  Muhlenbeig, 
Jofeph  Neville, 
Anthony  New, 
John  Nicholas, 
Nathaniel  Niles, 
Alexander  D.  Orr,  »• 
Jofiah  Parker, 
Andrew  Pickens, 
Francis  Prefton, 
Robert  Rutherford. 
John  Smilie, 
Ifrael  Smith, 
Thomas  Tredwell, 
Philip  Van  Cortiandt, 
Abraham  Venable, 
Francis  Walker,  and 
Jofeph  Winfton. 


Another  motion  was  then  made  by  Mr.  Chriftie, 
and  feconded,  further  to  amend  the  faid  claufe,  by 
inferting  after  the  words  "  co7nbinjtions  of  111611* *  the 
words  ••'  ill  the  four  ivejiern  counties  of  Pennfylvania, 
and  parts  adjacent.**  The  objeft  of  this  amendment 
was,  by  Hmiring  the  cenfure  to  the  places  therein 
mentioned,  to  vindicate  the  democratic  focicties  in 
general  from  the  imputation. 

On  the  queftion  thereupon,  it  was  refolved  in 
the   affirmative,  the   Houfe   being .  equally  divided, 

CYiiAo    46. 

to  wit :  —  <  XT  f: 

(J^Nays  46. 

And 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  187 

And  Mr.  Speaker  declaring  himfelf  with  the 
yeas. 

The  yeas  and  nays,  as  demanded  by  one  fifth  of 
the  members  prefent,  were  as  follow  : 


Yeas. 


Theodorus  Bailey, 
Abiaham  Baldwin, 
Thomas  Blount, 
Thomas  P.  Carnes, 
Gabriel  Chriftle, 
Thomas  Claiborne, 
Ifiiac  Coles, 
JVilUa7n  J.  Da^jj/oTiy 
Henry  Dearborn, 
George  Deat, 
Gvibriel  Duvall, 
"William  Findley, 
Wilham  B.Giles, 
James  Gillefpie, 
Chriftopher  Greenup, 
Andrew  Gregg, 
George  Hancock, 
Carter  B.  Harrifon, 
John  Heath, 
Daniel  Heifter, 
John  Hunter, 
Matthew  Locke, 
William  Lyman, 


Fifher  Ames, 
James  Armftrong, 
John  Beatty, 
Llias  Boudinot, 
Shearjafhub  Bourne, 
Benjamin  Bourne, 
Lambert  Cadwalader, 
David  Cobb, 
Peleg  Coffin, 
Jofliua  Coit, 
Jonathan  Dayton, 
Samuel  Dexter, 


Nathaniel  Macon, 
James  Madifon, 
Jofeph  M'Dowell, 
Alexander  Mebane, 
William  Montgomery, 
Andrew  Moore, 
Peter  Muhlenberg, 
Jofeph  Neville, 
Anth'jny  New, 
John  Nicholas, 
Nathaniel  Niles, 
Alexander  D.  Orr, 
Joliah  P.irker, 
Andrew  Pickens, 
Francis  Prefton, 
Robert  Rutherford, 
John  Smilie, 
Ifrael  Smith, 
Thomas  Tredwell, 
Philip  Van  Cortlandt, 
Abraham  Venable, 
Francis  Walker,  and 
Jofeph  Winfton. 


Nays. 


Thomas  Fltzfimons, 
Dwight  Fofter, 
Ezekiel  Gilbert, 
Nicholas  Gilman, 
Henry  Glen, 
Benjamin  Goodhue, 
James  Gordon, 
Samuel  Griffin, 
William  B   Grove, 
Thomas  Hartley, 
James  Hillhoufe, 
AVilliam  Hir,dman, 


Samuel 


i88 


POLITICAL  REGISTER. 


Samuel  Holten, 
John  Wilkes  Littera, 
Henry  Latimer, 
Amafa  Learned, 
Richard  Bland  Lee, 
Francis  Malbcne, 
William  Vans  Murray, 
Thomas  Scott, 
Theodore  Sedgwick, 
John  S.  Sheiburne, 
Jeremiah  Smith, 


William  Smith, 
Zephaniah  Swift, 
George  Thatcher, 
Uriah  Tracev, 
Jonarhan  Trumbull, 
John  E.  Van  Allen, 
Peter  Van  Gaafbeck, 
Peleg  Wadfworth, 
Artemas  Ward, 
John  Watts,  and 
Paine  Wlngate. 


Another  motion  was  then  made  by  Mr.  W. 
Smith,  and  feconded,  further  to  amend  the  faid 
claufe,  by  inferting  after  the  word  "  adjacent^*  in 
the  amendment  hiil  agreed  to,  the  words  "  counte- 
nanced by  f elf -create  d  focieties  e  If e  where." 

And  on  the  queftion  thereupon,  it  pafled  in  the 

CYeas.  42. 

negative <  ^,^  ^ 

^  ^Nays.  50. 

The  yeas  and  nays  being  deir.anded  by  one  fifth 

of  the  members  prefent, 

Thofe  who  voted  in  the  affirmative,  are 


Fifher  Ames, 
James  Armftrong, 
John  Beatty, 
Elias  Boudinrt, 
Shearjafhub  Bourne, 
Benjamin  Bourne, 
Lambert  Cadwalader, 
David  Cobb, 
Peleg  Coffin, 
Jofhiia  Coit, 
Jonathan  Dayton, 
Samuel  Dexter, 
Thomas  Fitzfmions, 
Dwight  Fofter, 
Ezekiel  Gilbert, 
Henry  Gien, 
Benjamin  Goodhue, 
James  Gordon, 


Thomas  Hartley, 
James  Hillhoufe, 
Vv'illiam  Hind  man, 
Samuel  Holten, 
John  Wilkes  Kittera, 
Henry  Latimer, 
Amal'a  Learned, 
Richard  Bland  Lee, 
Francis  Malbone, 
V/illiam  Vans  Murray, 
Thomas  Scott, 
Theodore  Sedgwick, 
Jeremiah  Smith, 
William  Smitli, 
Zephaniah  Swift, 
Gtorge  Ttacher, 
LTria'i  'i'racey, 
Jonathan  Trumbull, 


John 


POLITICAL  REGISTER. 


I  Si) 


John  E.  Van  Allen, 
Peter  V^n  Graafbeck, 
Peleg  Wadfwortb, 


Artemas  Ward, 
John  Watt5:,  and 
Paine  Wingate. 


Thofe  who  voted  in  the  negative,  are 


Theodoras  Bailey, 
Abraham  Baldwin, 
Thomas  Blount, 
Thomas  P.  Carnes, 
Gabriel  Chriftie, 
Thomas  Claiborne, 
Ifaac  Coles, 
William  J.  Dawfon, 
Henry  Dearborn, 
George  Dent, 
Gabriel  Davall, 
William  Findley, 
William  B.  Giles, 
James  Gillefple, 
Nicholas  Gilman, 
Chriftopher  Greenup, 
Andrew  Gre^s:, 
Samuel  Griffin, 
William  B.  Grove, 
George  Hancock, 
Carter.. B.  Harrifon, 
John  Heath, 
Daniel  Heifter, 
John  Hunter, 
Mauhew  Locke, 


William  Lyman, 

Nathaniel  Macon, 
James  Madifon, 
Jofeph  M'Dowell, 
Alex  mder  Mebane, 
William  Mcntgcmery, 
Andrew  Moore, 
Peter  Muhlenberg, 
Jofeph  Niville, 
Anthony  New, 
John  Nicholas, 
Nathaniel  Niles, 
Alexander  D.  Orr, 
Jofiah  Pai  ker,  . 
Andrew  Pickens, 
Francis  PreJton. 
Robert  Rutherford, 
John  S.  Sherburne, 
John  Smilie, 
Ifrael  S'liith, 
Thomas  Tredwell, 
Philip  Van  Cortland, 
Abraham  Venable, 
Francis  Walker,  and 
Jofeph  Winfton. 


A  motion  was  now  made  to  adjourn,  and  lofl:. 

And  then  the  main  queflion  was  put,  that  the 
Houfe  do  agree  to  the  faid  claufe  propofed  by  Mr. 
Fitzfimons,  with  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Chriftie. 
The  whole  flood  as  follows : 

"  In  tracing  the  origin  and  progrefs  of  the  infur- 
re£lion,  we  can  entertain  no  doubt,  that  certain  felf- 
created  focieties  and  combinations  of  men  i?i  the  four 
wejiern  counties  of  Pennfylvmiia^  and  parts  adjacent y^^ 
carelefs  of  confequences,  and  difregarding  the  truth^'. 
by  difleminating   fufpicions,   jealoufies   and  accufa- 

4  tions 


I90  POLITICAL  REGISTER. 

tions  of  the  government,  have  had  all  the  agency 
you  afcribe  to  them,  in  fomenting  this  daring  out- 
rage againft  focial  order,  and  the  authority  of  the 
laws."  The  queftion  was  loft,  nineteen  members 
only  rifing  in  the  affirmative.  The  Houfe  then  ad- 
journed adjourned  at  half  paft  three  o'clock. 

As  the  parties  had  been  fo  exactly  balanced,  du- 
ring the  former  divifions,  on  this  amendment  of  Mr. 
Fitzfimons,  it  will  feem  inexplicable,  hww,  in  the 
lad  divifion,  there  came  to  be  only  nineteen  votes  in 
favour  of  the  amendment,  and  fome  of  thefe  nine- 
teen were  gentlemen  who  had  all  along  'voted  againji 
it,  in  every  other  Jlage.  Thefe  peculiarities  deferve  to 
be  explained, a?  illullrating  on  what  nice  circumflances 
the  dccifion  of  an  alTembly  may  fometimes  turn.  The 
debate  had  lafted,  in  various  fliapes,  for  no  lefs  than 
four  days,  from  Monday  forenoon  to  Thurfday  after- 
noon, and  on  the  firfl  divifion  this  afternoon,  there 
appeared  for  the  vote  of  cenfure  on  the  democratic 
focieties,  as  conveyed  in  the  amendment  of  Mr. 
Dayton  to  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Fitzfimons,  a  ma- 
jority of  47  votes  againft  45.  When  the  yeas  and 
nays  were  taken  on  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Chriflie, 
for  rcftraining  the  vote  of  cenfure  to  focieties  in  the 
fourwcftern  counties,  &c.  the  numbers  were  equal, 
forty-fix  on  each  fide.  Mr.  Dawfon,  fmce  the  pre- 
ceding vote  was  taken,  had  been  perfuaded  to  alter 
his  fentiments.  The  cafting  vote  of  the  Speaker  was 
then  in  favour  of  the  reftriftion.  An  attempt  was 
made  to  recover  the  ground  thus  lolt,  by  the  fubfe- 
quent  motion  of  Mr.  W.  Smith  for  adding,  "  coun- 
tenanced hy  felf-created  focieties  in  other  parts  of  the 
Union."  This  was  exa6tly  the  fame  thing  in  fub- 
ftance,  as  the  motion  fird  before  carried  by  47  againft: 
45.  It  was,  however,  rejected  as  above  by  50  againft 
42.  A  motion  was  twice  made,  in  the  courfe  of  a 
few  minutes  for  adjoiirriing,  but  was  rejefted.     The 

gentleman 


POLITICAL  REGISTER.  rpi 

gentlemen  who  were  oppofed  to  the  vote  of  cenfure, 
were  determined  to  pufh  their  fuperiority  ;  and  in- 
fifted  for  a  divifion  on  the  whole  amendment,  which 
now  included  that  of  Mr.  Chriftie,  for  refl:ri(f>ing  the 
cenfure  o^  feJf-created  focieties  to  thofe  of  the  four 
counties  of  Pennfylvania,   and   the   parts   adjacent. 
The  votes  were  going  to  be  taken,  and  there  was  an 
appearance  that  after  thefe  three  fucceffive  divifions 
fo  clofely  following  each  other,  v/here  both  parties 
had  exerted  all  their  influence,  the  amendment  thus 
amended  would  have  palTed  with  a  degree  of  unani- 
mity.    But  Mr.  Sedgwick  now  rofe,  and  informed 
the  Houfe  that,  for  his  own  part,  he  could  not  vote 
for  the  amendment  to  the  addrefs,  as  it  tiow  Jiood, 
becaufe  it  contained  a  palpable  incongruity.     The 
amendment  now  fiiid,  that  the  Houfe  agreed  with  the 
Prefident  in  regretting,  that  certain  felf-created  foci- 
eties, in  the  four  we/iern  counties  of  Pennfylvania^ 
and  parts  adjacent^  had  done  fo  and  fo.     The  por- 
tion might  be  extremely  true  ;  but  no  fuch  fpecifica- 
tion  had  been  made  by  the  Prefident ;  and,  therefore, 
to  join  with  him  in  regretting  what  he  never  had 
regretted,  would  be  a  downright  abfurdity.     This 
difcovery  had  a  very  evident  effeft  on  the  Houfe.    A 
few  gentlemen  rofe  on  both  fides  of  the  queftion,  as 
by  chance,  but  there  was  no  divifion  ;  and  thus  the 
labour  of  four  days  was  demolifhed  by  an  unexpected 
ftroke  of  dexterity  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Chriftie. 


APPENDIX. 


APPENDIX. 


Copy  of  a  letter  from  Major-General  Wayne,  to  the  Secrt' 
tary  of  War,  dated  Head-^mrters,  Greeneville,  -jth  July^ 
1794. 

SIR, 

x\T  feven  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  30lh 
ultimo,  one  of  our  efcorts  confiftiag  of  ninety  rifle-men  and 
fifty  dragoons,  commanded  by  Major  M'Mahan,  was  attacked 
by  a  very  numerous  body  of  Indians  under  the  walls  of  Fort 
Recovery,  followed  by  a  general  afiault  upon  that  poll  and 
garrifon,  in  every  direction. 

The  eaemy  were  foon  repulfed  with  great  flaughter;  but 
immediately  rallied  and  reiterated  the  attack,  keeping  up  a 
very  heavy  and  conftant  fire  at  a  more  refpectable  diftance,  for 
the  remainder  of  the  day,  which  was  anfvvered  with  fpirit  and 
eflFeft  by  the  garrifon,  and  that  part  of  Major  M'Mahan's  com- 
mand that  had  regained  the  poll. 

The  favages  were  employed  during  the  night,  which  was 
dark  and  foggy,  in  carrying  off  their  dead  by  torch  light; 
which  occafionally  drew  a  fire  from  the  garrifon.  They  never- 
thelefs  fucceeded  fo  well,  that  there  were  but  eight  or  ten  dead 
bodies  left  upon  the  field,  and  thofe  elofe  under  the  influence 
of  the  fire  from  the  fort. 

The  enemy  again  renewed  the  attack  on  the  morning  of  the 
I  fl;  inftant,  but  were  ultimately  compelled  to  retreat  with  lofs 
and  difgrace,  from  that  very  field  where  they  had,  upon  a 
former  occafion,  been  proudly  viftorious. 

Inclofed  is  a  particular  general  return  of  the  killed,  wound- 
ed, and  mifllng.  Among  the  killed  we  have  to  lament  the 
lofs  of  four  good  and  gallant  officers,  viz.  Major  M'Mahan, 
Captain  Hartfhorne,  and  Lieutenant  Craig,  of  the  rifle  corps, 
and  Cornet  Torry,  of  the  cavalry,  who  all  fell  in  the  firft 
charge.  Among  the  wounded  are  the  intrepid  Captain  Tay- 
lor of  the  dragoons,  and  Lieutenant  Drake  of  the  infantry. 

O  It 


194  APPENDIX. 

It  would  appear,  that  the  real  objedt  of  the  enemy  was  t& 
have  carried  that  poft  hj  a  coup  de  main,  for  they  could  not 
polFibly  have  received  intelligence  of  the  efcort  under  Major 
M'Mahan,  which  only  marched  Irom  this  place  on  the  morn- 
ing, cf  the  29th  ultimo,  and  depofited  the  fupplies  the  fame 
evening  at  Fort  Recovery,  from  whence  the  efcort  was  to  have 
returned  at  Reveille  the  next  morning  ;  therefore  their  being 
found  at  that  poft,  was  an  accidental,  perhaps  a  fortunate, 
event.  By  every  information  as  well  as  from  the  extent  of 
their  encampments,  which  were  perfectly  fquare  and  regular, 
and  their  line  of  march  in  feventeen  columns,  forming  a  wjde 
and  extended  front,  their  numbers  could  not  have  been  lefs 
than  from  fifteen  hundred  to  two  thoufand  warriors. 

It  would  alfo  appear  that  they  were  rather  iLort  of  provi- 
fions,  as  they  killed  and  eat  a  number  of  pack  horfes  in  their 
encampment,  the  evening  after  the  alTauk ;  as  alfo  at  their 
next  encampment  on  their  rttreat,  which  was  but  feven  miles 
from  Fort  Recovery,  where  they  remained  two  nights,  pro- 
bably from  being  much  incumbered  with  their  dead  and 
wounded;  a  confiderable  number  of  thj  pack  horfes  were 
a<5bually  loaded  with  the  dead. 

Permit  me  now,  Sir,  to  exprefs  my  higheft  approbation  of 
the  bravery  and  condudl  of  every  officer  and  foldier  of  the 
garrifon  and  efcort  upon  this  trying  occafion,  and  as  it  would 
be  difficult  to  difcriminate  between  officers  equally  meritorious 
,  and  emulous  for  glory,  I  have  direded  the  Adjutant-General 
to  annex  the  names  of  every  officer  of  the  garrifon  and  efcort, 
who  were  fortun^ite  enough  to  remain  uninjured,  being  equally 
expofed  to  danger  with  thoie  who  were  lefs  fortunate. 

But  I  flinuld  be  wanting  in  gratitude  v/ere  I  to  omit  men- 
tioning in  particular  Captain  Alexander  Gibfon  of  tlie  4th  fub- 
legion,  the  gallant  defender  of  Fort  R.ecovery. 

Here  it  may  be  proper  to  relate  certain  la(5ls  and  circum- 
ftances,  which  almoft  amount  to  pofitive  proofs,  tliat  there 
were  a  confiderable  number  of  t/:e  Britifi,  and  the  militia  of 
Detroit,  mixed  with  the  favages  in  the  aflault  upon  Foit  Reco- 
very, on  the  30th  ultimo  and  ill  inftant. 

I  had  detached  three  fmall  parties  of  Chickafaw  and  Choc- 
taw Indians,  a  few  days  previous  to  that  affair,  towards 
Grand  Glai/e,  in  order  to  take  or  obtain  prifoners  for  the  pur- 
pofe  of  gaining  intelligence.  One  of  thofe  parties  fell  in  with 
a  large  body  of  Indians,  at  the  place  marked  Gift/s  Town 
in  Hirmar's  route,  on  the  evening  of  the  27th  ultimo,  ap- 
parently bending  their  courfe  towards  CIAlahotkc  on  the  great 
Miami.      This   party  retunied  to  Gieoneville  on   the  28th, 

with 


APPENDIX.  195 

with  this  further  information,  "  that  there  were  a  great  num- 
ber of  ivhite  men  witli  the  Indians." 

The  other  two  parties  got  much  fcattered  in  following 
the  trails  of  the  hoftile  Indians,  at  fome  diftance  in  their 
rear,  and  were  clofe  in  with  them  when  the  affault  com- 
menced on  Fort  Recovery.  Thefe  Indians  all  infift  that 
there  were  a  confiderable  number  of  armed  white  men  in 
the  rear,  whom  they  frequently  heard  talking  in  our  lan- 
guage, and  encouraging  the  favages  to  perfevere  in  the  af- 
fault ;  that  their  faces  were  generally  blacked,  except  three 
Britifh  officers,  who  were  drelfed  in  fcarlet,  and  appeared  to 
be  men  of  great  diftinftion,  from  being  furrounded  by  a 
large  party  of  white  men  and  Indians,  who  were  very  at- 
tentive to  them.  Thefe  kept  a  diftance  in  the  rear  of  thofe 
that  were  engaged. 

Another  ftrong  corroborating  faft  that  there  were  Britilh, 
or  Britifh  militia  in  the  affault  is,  that  a  number  of  ounce 
balls  and  buckfliot  were  lodged  in  the  blockhoufes  and 
ftockades  of  the  fort.  Some  were  delivered  at  io  great  a 
diftance  as  not  to  penetrate,  and  were  picked  up  at  the  foot 
of  the  ftockades. 

It  would  alfo  appear  that  the  Britiih  and  favages  expefted 
to  find  the  artillery  that  were  loft  on  the  4th  of  November, 
1 79 1,  and  hid  by  the  Indians  in  the  beds  of  old  fallen  timber, 
or  logs,  which  they  turned  over  and  laid  the  cannon  in,  and 
then  turned  the  logs  back  into  their  former  birth.  It  was  in 
this  artful  manner  that  we  generally  found  them  depofited. 
The  hoftile  Indians  turned  over  a  great  number  of  logs  during 
the  aftault,  in  fearch  of  thofe  cannon  and  other  plunder  which 
they  had  probably  hid  in  this  manner  after  the  adlion  of  the 
4th  of  November,  1791. 

I  therefore  have  reafon  to  believe  that  the  Britifh  and  In- 
dians depended  much  upon  this  artillery  to  afUft  in  the  reduc- 
tion of  thatpoft.     Fortunately,  they  ferved  in  its  defence. 

The  enclofed  copies  of  the  examination  of  the  Patawatime 
and  Shawanoe  prifoners,  will  demonftrate  this  laft,  that  the 
Britifh  have  ufed  every  poflible  exertion  to  coUeft  the  favages 
from  the  moft  diftant  nations,  with  the  raoft  folemn  promifes 
of  advancing  and  co-operating  with  them  againft  the  legion  ; 
nor  have  the  Spaniards  been  idle  upon  this  occafion. 

It  is  therefore  more  thsn  probable,  that  the  day  is  not  far 

diftant,  when  we  ih^U  meet  this  hydra  in  the  vicinity  of  Grand 

Glaize  and  Roche  de  Bout,  without  being  able  to  difcriminate 

between  the  w^/.v  and  r<f.-/ favages.     In  the  interim,  I  am  in 

O  1  hourly 


795  APPENDIX. 

hourly  expectation  of  receivmg  more  full  and  certain  Intelli- 
gence of  the  number  and  tntenticn  of  the  enemy. 

I  have  no  further  or  other  information  refpecling  the 
ftiounted  volunteers  of  Kentucky,  than  what  you  will  obferve 
in  the  enclofed  copies  of  the  correfpondence  between  Major 
General  Scott  and  myfelf  *.  I  hope  they  may  be  completed 
to  their  full  number,  becaufe  it  would  appear  that  weftiall  have 
bufinefs  enough  for  the  whole  of  them. 

You  will  herewitli  receive  the  general  and  field  return  of  the 
Legion,  the  quarterly  return  of  ordnance  and  ordnance  (lores 
at  this  place,  the  Quartcr-maftcr  General's  return,  and  the  re- 
turn of  the  hofpital  department. 

The  horfes  that  were  killed,  wounded,  and  miffing  in  the  af- 
fault  againft  Fort  Recovery,  will  not  in  the  leaft  retard  the 
advance  of  the  legion  after  tlie  arrival  of  the  mounted  volun- 
teers, becaufe  I  had  made  provifion  for  thofe  kinds  of  lofles 
and  contingencies,  which,  from  the  nature  of  the  fervice,  muft 
be  expeded,  and  will  unavoidably  happen. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  every  fentiment  of  refpedl  and 
cfteem. 

Your  moft  obedient, 

And  very  humble  fervant, 

ANTHONY  WAYNE. 

Return  of  the  killed,  wounded,  and  miffing  of  a  detachment 
under  the  orders  of  Major  M'Mahan,  in  the  aflion  near  Fort 
Recovery,  the  30th  of  June,  1794.     Killed  ;  cavalry,  cornets, 

1  ;  privates,   8  ;  total,  9.     Wounded ;  captains,  i ;   ferjeants, 

2  ;  corporals,  i  ;  mufick,  2  ;  privates,  6  ;  total,  12. 
Riflemen,   killed  ;  majors,   i  ;  captains,   i  ;  lieutenants,  i  ; 

ferjeants,  i  ;  privates,  6  ;  total,  10.  Wounded;  ferjeants,  i  ; 
privates,  5  ;  total,  6. 

Garrifon  of  Fcrt  Recovery  ;  killed  ;  privates,  i .  Wounded  ; 
lieutenants,  i  ;  ferjeants,  3  ;  privates.  7;  total,  11.  Contrac- 
tor's Department ;  killed,  privates,  2.  Wounded,  i.  Mif- 
fing, 3.     Total,  killed,  22.     Wounded,  30.     Miffing,  3. 

Horfes,  killed,  59.     Wounded,  22.     Miffing,  221. 

Names  of  the  officers  killed  and  wounded. 

Major  William  M'Mahan,  4th  fub  legion,  killed. 

Captain  AfTa  Hartfliorn,     ill     ditto,  do. 

Lieutenant  Robert  Craig,  3d      do.  do. 

•  The  editor  has  not  met  with  thefc  letters  in  the  communication*  t* 
the  Houfe  of  Reprcfcntatives  of  Congref*. 

Cornet 


APPENDIX.  %91 

Cornet  Daniel  Tony,  dragoons,  3d  do.        do. 
Captain  James  Taylor,       do.     wounded. 
Lieutenant  Samuel  Drake,  2d  fub-legion,  woundsd. 
Names  of  officers  in  the  attack  on  Fort  Hecovery,  who  wer* 
not  wounded. 

Captain  Gibfon, 
Lieutenants  Covington, 
Dunn, 
Michael, 
Shanklin, 
Enfigns  Dangerfield, 
Dold. 

Exain'inat'ion  of  tiuo  Pufawatimes,  captured  by  Captain  Alexand^ 
Gibfon,  on  ihe  narth  fide  of  the  Miami  of  the  Lake,  on  the  ^th 
of  Jane,    1 794. 

^lery  ifi,  How  long  have  you  been  from  your  nation  ? 

Anfwer,  Four  days  before  our  capture. 

^ery  2d,  When  did  yournation  receive  the  invitation  from 
the  Britilh  to  join  them,  and  go  to  war  againft  the  Ameri- 
cans ? 

Anfzver,  On  the  firft  of  the  laO;  moon.  The  mefTage  v/a* 
fent  by  three  chiefs,  a  Delavyare,  a  Shawanoe,  and  a  Miami. 

Silvery  ^d.  What  was  th-  meffage  brought  by  thofj  Indian 
chiefs,  and  what  number  of  Britiih  troops  were  at  Roche  de 
Bout  on  the  ift  of  May  ? 

Anfwer,  That  the  Britiih  fent  them  to  invite  the  Pntawa- 
times  to  go  to  war  againft  the  United  States  ;  that  they,  the 
Britiih,  were  then  at  Roche  de  Bout,  on  their  way  to  war 
againft  the  Americans ;  that  the  number  of  Britilli  troops  then 
thsre,  was  about  four  hundred,  with  tvsro  pieces  of  artillery, 
exclufive  of  the  Detroit  mi'itia,  and  had  made  a  fortificatiort 
round  Colonel  M'Kee's  houfe  and  ftores  at  that  place,  in  which 
they  had  depofited  all  their  liores  of  ammunition,  arms,  and 
clothing,  and  provifion,  with  which  they  promifed  to  fupport 
all  the  hoftile  Indians  in  abundance,  provided  they  would  join, 
and  go  with  them  to  war. 

^.ery  ^h.  What  tribes  of  Indians,  and  what  were  their 
numbers  at  Roche  de  Bout,  on  the  i.  of  May  ? 

Anf'vjr,  The  Chipewas,  Wyandots,  Sha>vanoes,  Tawas, 
Delawares,  and  Miamls.  There  were  then  colleifted  about  a 
thoufand  warriors,  and  were  daily  coming  in  and  colledting 
from  all  thofe  nations. 

O  3  .^ry, 


ip!  APPENDIX. 

^ery.^ih,  What  number  of  warriors  do  you  Aippofe  Are 
aftually  colleded  at  that  place,  at  this  time ;  and  what  num- 
ber of  Britilh  troops  and  militia  have  promifed  to  join  the  In- 
dians to  fight  this  army  ? 

yinfwcry  By  the  lateil  and  beft  information,  and  from  our 
own  knowledge  of  the  number  of  warriors  belonging  to  thofe 
nations,  there  cannot  be  lefs  than  two  thoufand  warriors  now 
aflembled  ;  and  were  the  Putawatiines  to  join  agreeably  to  in- 
vitation, the  whole  would  amount  to  upwards  of  three  thou- 
fand hod  ile  Indians.  But  we  do  not  think  that  more  than 
fifty  of  the  Putawatimes  will  go  to  war. 

The  Britilh  troops  and  militia  that  will  join  the  Indians  to 
go  to  war  againft  the  Americans,  will  amount  to  fifteen  hun- 
dred, agreeably  to  the  promife  of  Governor  Simcoe. 

^ery  6th,  At  what  time,  and  at  what  place,  do  the  Britifti 
and  Indians  mean  to  advance  againft  this  army  ? 

Anfiver,  About  the  laft  of  this  moon,  or  beginning  of  the 
next,  they  intend  to  attack  the  legion  at  this  place.  Governor 
Simcoe,  the  great  man  who  lives  at,  or  near  Niagara,  fent  for 
the  Putawatimes,  and  promifed  them  arms,  ammunition,  pro- 
vifion,  and  clothing,  and  every  thing  they  wanted,  on  condi- 
tion that  they  would  join  him,  and  go  to  war  againll  the  Ame- 
ricans, and  that  he  would  command  the  whole. 

He  fent  us  the  fame  meffage  laft  winter ;  and  again  on  the 
firft  of  the  laft  moon,  from  Roche  de  Bout.  He  alfo  faid  he 
was  much  obliged  to  us  for  our  pa  ft  fervices ;  and  that  he 
would  now  help  us  to  fight,  and  render  us  all  the  fervices  in 
his  power  againft  the  Americans. 

All  the  fpeeches  that  we  have  received  from  him  were  as  red 
as  Hood.  All  the  wampum  and  feathers  were  painted  red.  The 
war  pipes  and  hatchets  were  red;  and  even  the  .ohacco  ivas 
painted  red. 

We  received  four  different  invitations  from  Governor  Sim- 
coe, inviting  the  Putawatimes  to  join  in  the  war.  The  laft 
was  on  the  firft  of  laft  moon,  when  he  promifed  to  join  us,  with 
fifteen  hundred  of  his  warriors,  as  I lefore  mentioned. 

But  we  wilhfor  peace,  except  a  number  of  our  foolifh  young 
men. 

Examined  and  carefully  reduced  to  writing,") 
;-it  Greeneville,  this  7th  of  June,  1794.      J 


Examination 


APPENDIX.  199 

Exatmnalion  of  tivo  ShaiL'anoe  nv.irriors,  taken  pr'ifmers  on  the 
Miami  of  the  I.ak:',  tiuenty  miles  above  Grand  Cla'tze,  en  tki 
22cl  Injant,  June. 

They  fav,  that  tliey  left  Grand  Glaize  five  mocns  fince.  /.  e. 
about  the  time  that  the  Indians  lent  ma  flag  with  propolitions 
of  peace  ;  that  they  belonged  to  a  party  ot  twenty,  who  have 
been  hunting  all  this  fpring  on  the  waters  of  the  Wabaili,  nearly 
oppofite  the  mouih  of  Keiitucky  river,  and  were  on  their  return 
when  taken ;  that  about  half  the  party  had  gone  on  before 
them,  and  that  the  remainder  were  coming  on  fl  iwly,  and 
hunting  as  they  came  ;  th.U  they  had  fiolen  about  lifty  horfea 
from  the  inhabitants  of  Kentucky,  on  the  Salt  River,  during 
this  fpring  and  fummcr  ;  that  they  only  killed  one  man,  and 
took  no  prifoners ;  that  the  man  was  killed  by  a  white  inter- 
preter belonging  to  the  party,  whofe  name  is  Riddle ;  (thofe 
two  Indians  had  five  horfes  loaded  with  deer  and  bear  ikins, 
and  jerked  venifon) ;  that  on  their  v/ay  in,  they  met  with  a  party 
confining  r.f  tour  Indians,  /.f.  three  Delawares,  and  one  Putawa- 
time,  who  v>  ere  then  on  their  way  to  the  Big-bone  Lick  to  fteal 
horfes  ;  that  this  party  informed  them  that  all  the  Indians  on 
the  White  River  were  fent  for  to  corns  immediately  to  Grand 
Glaize,  where  the  warriors  of  feveral  nations  were  now  aifem- 
bled  ;  that  the  chiefs  were  yet  in  council,  and  tuould  not  let 
their  ivarriors  go  out ;  that  they  could  not  depend  upon  the  British 
for  eJpSual  fuppirt ;  that  they  nvcre  always  feitlng  the  Indians  on, 
in e  dogs  after  game,  pre/J'tng  them  to  go  to  war,  and  kill  the  /Ameri- 
cans, but  did  not  help  them;  that  unlcfs  the  Britijlj  would  turn  out 
and  help  them,  thsy  'were  determined  to  make  peace  ;  that  they  would 
not  he  any  longer  a?n:f£d  by  promijes  on'y. 

That  the  Shawanoes  have  three  hundred  and  eighty  war- 
riors at,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  Grand  Glaize  ;  ani  generally 
can,  and  do  bring  into  aftion  about  three  hundred  ;  their  great 
Hien  or  fachems  are,  the  Black  'wclf,  and  Kaki;v-pi-la-thy,  or 
the  tame  haivk  ;  their  principal  waniors  are  Blue  Jacket  and 
Captain  Johnny  ;  that  t!ie  Delawares  have,  in  and  about  Grand 
Giaize,  four  hundred  and  eighty  warriors ;  that  they  aftually 
had  fuur  hundred  in  the  a-ftion  agaiall  General  St  Clair;  that 
the  Miamis  are  at  prefent  but  about  one  hundred  warriors, 
who  live  near  Grand  Glaize,  feveral  of  them  having  moved  to- 
wards Port  Vincennes  and  the  MilTiirippi ;  that  die  Wyandots 
never  fend  into  aftien  more  than  about  an  hundred  and  fifty 
warriors ;  they  live  along  the  lake  towards  S mdufky  ;  that 
they  do  not  know  the  number  of  the  Putawatime?,  nor  the 
number  of  the  other  Indians  or  nations  that  v.ould  aftually 

O  4  joia 


'loo  APPENDIX. 

join  in  a  war,  fliould  they  determine  to  continue  it  ;  that 
the  Chipewas  would  be  the  mcft  numerous,  and  were  ge- 
nerally on  the  v/ay  to  the  council ;  but  that  war  or  peace  de- 
pended upon  the  conduct  of  the  Britiflic  If  they  would  help 
them,  it  would  probably  be  war ;  but  if  they  would  not,  it 
would  be  peace.  That  the  Indians  would  no  longer  be  fet 
on  like  dogs  by  themfelves,  unlefs  the  Britifh  would  help  them 
to  fight ;  that  the  Britiih  were  at  the  foot  of  the  rapids,  and 
had  fortiined  at  Roche  de  Bout ;  that  there  were  a  great  num- 
ber of  Britifh  foldiers  at  that  place ;  that  they  told  the  Indians 
they  were  now  come  to  help  them  to  hght,  and  if  the  Indians 
would  generally  turn  out  and  join  them,  they  would  advance 
and  fight  the  American  army  ;  that  Blue  Jacket  had  been  fent 
■by  the  Britifh  to  the  Chipewas,  and  Northern  Indians,  a  con- 
fiderable  time  fmce,  to  invite  them,  and  bring  them  to  Roche 
de  Bout,  there  to  join  the  Britifh  and  other  hoflile  Indians  in 
order  to  go  to  war. 

I  do  certify  that  the  foregoing  is  an  exaft  and  true  narrative, 
delivered  by  the  two  Shawanoe  warriors,  prifoners,  upon  exa- 
mination before  me,  at  Greeneville,  through  my  interpreter, 
Chriftopher  Miller,  this  26th  day  of  June,  1794- 

Head  ^tarlerSf  Grand  Gltiize,  Augtift  14. 
SIR, 

I  HAVE  the  honotir  to  inform  you,  that  the  army  under 
my  command  took  pofTeflion  of  this  very  important  pofl  on 
the  morning  of  the  8th  inft.  the  enemy  on  the  preceding  even- 
ing having  abandoned  all  their  fettlements,  towns,  and  villages, 
with  fuch  apparent  marks  of  furprife  and  precipitation  as  to 
amount  to  apofitive  proof  that  our  approach  was  not  difcovered 
by  them  until  the  arrival  of  a  Mr.  Newman  of  the  Quarter- 
Mafter  General's  department,  who  deferted  from  the  army 
near  the  St.  Mary's,  and  gave  them  every  information  in  his 
power,  as  to  our  force,  the  objeft  of  our  deliination,  flate  of  pro- 
vifio:*-;,  number  and  fize  of  the  artillery,  &c.  &c.;  circumftances 
and  fads  that  he  had  but  too  good  an  opportunity  of  kr.owing, 
from  acting  as  a  field  quarter  mafter  on  the  march,  and  at  the 
moment  of  his  defenion.  Hence,  I  have  good  grounds  to 
conclude,  that  the  defedion  of  this  villain  prevented  the  ene- 
my  from  receiving  a  faul  blow  at  this  place,  when  leaft  ex- 
peded*. 

*  Tliis  man  having  calliid  at  the  War  Office,  on  his  way  from  Niagara 
to  Kcutuclty,  as.  he.faid,  a  few  days  previous  to  the  receipt  of  this  letter, 
immediately  on  the  errival  thereof,  infoimation  refpeding  him  was  tranf- 

mitted 


APPEND  I  r.  201 

I  had  made  fuch  demonftrations  for  a  length  of  time  previoufly 
to  taking  up  our  line  of  march,  as  to  induce  the  favages  lo 
€xpe<5t  our  advance  by  the  rout  of  the  Miami  villages  to  the 
left,  or  towards  Roche  de  Bout  by  the  right,  which  feints  ap- 
pear to  have  produced  the  defired  effect,  by  drawing  the  atten- 
tion of  the  enemy  to  thoie  points,  and  gave  an  opening  for  the 
army  to  approach  undifcovered  by  a  devious  route,  /.  e.  in  a 
central  diredion,  and  which  would  be  impradicable  for  an 
army,  except  in  a  dry  feafon,  fuch  as  then  prefented. 

Thus,  Sir,  we  have  gained  poffeiTion  of  the  grand  emporium 
of  the  hoftile  Indians  of  the  Weft,  without  lofs  of  blood.  The 
very  extenfive  and  highly  cultivated  fields  and  gardens,  fhew 
the  work  of  many  hands.  The  margins  of  thofe  beautiful 
rivers,  the  Miamis  of  the  lake  and  Au  Glaize,  appear  like  ona 
continued  village  for  a  number  of  mdes  both  above  and  be- 
low this  place,  nor  have  I  ever  beheld  fuch  immenfe  fields  of 
corn  in  any  part  of  America  from  Canada  to  Florida. 

We  are  now  employed  in  completing  a  Itrong  ftockade  fort, 
with  four  good  block  houfes  by  way  of  ballions,  at  the  conflu- 
ence of  Au  Glaize  and  the  Miamis,  which  I  have  called  De- 
fiance, and  another  fort  was  aUo  erected  on  the  bank  of  St. 
Mary's,  twenty-four  miles  advanced  of  Recovery,  which  was 
named  Adams,  and  endowed  with  provifion  and  a  proper  gar- 
rifon. 

Every  thing  is  now  prepared  for  a  forward  move  to-m.orrow 
morning  towards  Roche  de  Bour,  or  Fort  of  the  Rapids,  v/here 
the  Britifh  have  a  regular  fortification,  well  fiipplied  with  ar- 
tillery, and  ftrongly  garrifoned,  in  the  vicinity  of  which,  the 
fate  of  the  campaign  will  probably  be  decided,  as  from  the 
beft  and  moft  recent  intelligence,  the  enemy  are  there  collected 
in  force,  and  joined  by  the  militia  of  Detroit,  &c.  &c.  polTcffed 
of  ground  very  unfavourable  for  cavalry  to  acl  in;  yet  not- 
wichftanding  this  unfavourable  intelligence,  and  unpleafant  cir- 
cumltance  cf  ground,  1  do  not  defpair  of  fuccelli  from  the 
fpirit  and  ardor  of  the  troops,  from  the  generals  down  to  the 
privates,  both  of  the  legicn  and  mounted  volunteers. 

Yet  I  have  thought  proper  to  offer  die  enemy  a  lall  overture 
of  peace,  and  as  they  have  every  thing  that  is  dear  and  inte- 
refting  now  at  ftake,  I  have  reafon  to  expect  that  they  will 
lilten  to  the  propofition  mentioned  in  the  inclofed  copy  of  an 
addrefs,     difpatched  yefterday  by  a  fpecial  flag,    who  I  fent 

mitted  to  Pittfbargh,  with  diredloxs  to  apprehcnJ  and  fecure  him.  He 
has  been  accorclinply  taken,  is  now  Tccured  at  that  place,  and  ordered  to 
Le  feat  down  the  Ohio  t»  head  quarters. 

under 


«oE  APPENDIX. 

under  circumftances  that  will  enfure  his  fafe  return,  and  wKlck 
may  eventually  fpare  the  efFufion  of  much  human  blood. 

But  fhould  war  be  their  choice,  that  blood  be  upon  their 
own  heads !  America  ftall  no  longer  be  infulted  with  impu- 
nity. To  an  all  powerful  andjultGod,  I  therefore  commit 
myfelf  and  gallant  army,  and  have  the  honour  to  be,  with 
every  confideration  of  refpedl:  and  efteem, 

your  moft  obedient, 

and  very  humble  fervant, 

ANTHONY  WAYNE. 
The  Hon.  Major -Gi7i.  H.  Knox^ 
Secretary  of  JVar. 

To  the  Dela-jjares,  Shaajaneje,  Miamis,  and  JVyandotsy  and  to 
each  and  every  of  them,  and  to  all  other  Nations  of  Indians 
Northiuejt  of  the  Ohioy  luhom  it  may  concern  : 

I,  Anthony  Wayne,  Major-General,  and  Commander  in 
Chief  of  the  Federal  army  now  at  Grand  Glaize,  and  commif- 
fioner  plenipotentiary  of  the  United  States  of  America,  for 
fettling  the  terms  upon  which  a  permanent  and  lafting  peace 
fhall  be  made  with  each  and  every  of  the  hoftile  tribes  or  na- 
tions of  Indians  northweft  of  the  Ohio,  and  of  the  faid  United 
States ;  afluated  by  the  purefl  principles  of  humanity,  and 
urged  by  pity  for  the  errors  into  which  bad  and  defignirg  men 
have  led  you,  from  the  head  of  the  army  now  in  poffetiion  of 
your  abandoned  villages  and  fettlements,  do  hereby  once  more 
extend  the  friendly  hand  of  peace  towards  you,  and  invite  each 
and  every  of  the  hcftile  tribes  of  Indians  to  appoint  deputies 
to  meet  me  and  my  army  without  delay,  between  this  place 
and  Roche  de  Bout,  in  order  to  fettle  the  preliminaries  of  a 
lafiing  peace,  which  may  eventually  and  foon  reftore  you, 
the  Delaware-;,  Miamis,  Shawanefe,  and  all  other  tribes  and 
nations  litiely  fettled  at  this  place,  and  on  the  margins  of  the 
Miami  and  Auglaize  rivers  to  your  late  grounds  and  pofTef- 
fions ;  and  preferve  you  and  your  diftrefied  and  helplefs 
women  and  children  from  danger  and  famine,  during  the  pre- 
fent  f-ill  and  enfuing  \vinter. 

The  arm  of  the  United  States  is  ftrong  and  powerful,  but 
they  love  mercy  and  kindnefs  more  than  war  and  defolation ; 
and  to  remove  any  doubts  or  apprehenfions  of  danger,  to  the 
perfoF.s  of  the  deputies  w^hom  ycu  may  appoint  to  meet  this 
army,  I  hereby  pledge  my  facred  honor  for  their  fafety  and 
return  :  and  fend  Chridcpher  Miller,  an  adopted  Shawanoe, 

and 


APPENDIX.  203 

anJ  a  Shawanoe  warrior,  whom  I  took  prifoner  two  days  ago, 
as  a  flag,  who  will  advance  in  their  front  to  meet  me. 

Mr.  Miller  was  taken  prifoner  by  a  party  of  my  warriors  fix 
moons  (ince,  and  can  teftlfy  to  you  the  kindnefs  I  have  fhewn 
to  your  people,  my  prifoners,  that  is,  five  warriors  and  two 
women,  who  are  now  all  fate  and  well  at  Greenville. 

But  Ihould  this  invitation  be  difregarded  and  my  flag  Mr. 
Miller,  be  detained  or  injured,  I  will  immediately  order  all 
tiiofe  prifoners  to  be  put  to  death,  without  diilindtion,  and 
feme  of  them  are  known  to  belong  to  the  firft  families  of  your 
nations. 

Brothers,  be  no  longer  deceived  or  led  aftray  by  the  falfe 
promifes  and  language  of  the  bad  white  men  at  the  foot  of  the 
Rapids.  They  have  neither  the  power  nor  the  inclination  to 
prctedt  you.  No  longer  fnut  your  eyes  to  your  true  intereft  and 
happinefs,  nor  your  ears  to  this  laft  overture  of  peace  ;  but  in 
pity  to  your  inocent  women  and  children  come  and  prevent  the 
fu; ther  eflFiifion  of  your  blood;  let  them  experience  the  kind- 
nefs and  friendfiiip  of  the  United  dates  of  America,  and  the 
invaluable  blefilngs  cf  peace  and  tranquillity. 

(Signed) 
Grand   Gla'ize, 
llth  Augujl,   1794. 


I  ANTHONY  WAYNE. 


Head  garters y   Grand  Glaize,  Aug.  28. 

SIR, 

It  is  with  infinite  pleafure  that  I  now  announce  to 
you  the  brilliant  fuccefs  of  the  Federal  army  under  my  com- 
mand in  a  general  adlion  with  the  combined  forces  cf  the  hof- 
tile  Indians,  and  a  confiderable  number  of  the  volunteers  and 
militia  of  Detroit  on  the  20th  inltant  on  the  banks  of  the 
Miamis,  In  the  vicinity  of  the  Britifii  poft  and  garrifon  at  the 
foot  of  the  rapids. 

The  army  advanced  from  this  place  on  the  15th,  and  ar- 
rived at  Roche  de  Bout  on  the  18th,  and  the  19th  we  were 
employed  in  making  a  making  a  temporary  poft  for  the  recep- 
tion of  our  ftores  and  baggage,  and  in  reconnoitring  the  poli- 
tion  of  the  enemy  who  were  encamped  behind  a  thick  bufhy 
wood  and  the  BrltUh  fort. 

At  8  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  20th,  the  army  agala 
advanced  in  coiumr^s  agreeably  to  the  ftanding  order  of  march, 
the  legion  on  the  right,  its  right  flank  covered  by  the  Miamis ; 
one  brigade  of  mounted  volunteers  on  the  left  under  Brigadier 
Gen.  Todd,  and  the  other  in  the  rear  under  Brigadier  Gen. 

Baibee. 


204  APPENDIX. 

Barbee.  A  feledb  battalion  of  mounted  volunteers  moved  in 
front  of  the  legion  commanded  by  Major  Price,  who  was  di- 
refted  to  keep  fufficienlly  advanced,  was  to  give  timely  notice 
for  the  troops  to  frm  in  cafe  of  aclion,  it  being  yet  undeter- 
mined whether  the  Indians  would  decide  for  peace  or  war. 

After  advancing  about  five  miles.  Major  Price's  corps  re- 
ceived fo  fevere  a  fire  from  tl:ie  enemy  %vho  were  fecreted  in 
the  woods  and  high  grafs  as  to  compel  them  to  retreat. 

The  legion  was  injmediately  form.ed  in  two  lines  principally 
in  a  clofe  thick  wood  which  extended  for  miles  on  our  left,  and 
for  a  very  confiderable  didance  in  front,  the  ground  being  co- 
vered w^ith  eld  fallen  timber  probably  occafioned  by  a  tornado, 
which  rendered  it  impracticable  for  the  cavalry  to  acl  with  effeil, 
and  afFurded  the  enemy  the  moft  favorable  covert  for  their 
mode  of  warfare  :  the  favages  v.  ere  formed  in  three  lines  within 
fupporting  diftance  from  each  other,  and  extending  for  near 
two  miles  at  right  angles  wiih  the  river.  I  foon  difcovered 
from  the  weight  of  tlie  fire  and  extent  of  their  lines  that  the 
enemy  were  in  full  force  in  front,  in  polTeffion  of  their  favou- 
rite ground,  and  endeavouring  to  turn  our  left  flank,  I  there- 
fore gave  orders  for  the  fecond  line  to  advance  to  fupport  the 
firft,  and  direcfted  Major-Gen.  Scott  to  gain  and  turn  the  right 
flank  of  the  favages  with  the  whole  of  the  mounted  volunteers 
by  a  circuitous  route,  at  the  fame  time  I  ordered  the  front  line 
to  advance  and  charge  with  trailed  arms,  and  roufe  the  In- 
dians from  their  coverts  at  the  point  of  the  bayonets,  and 
when  up  to  deliver  a  clofe  and  well  directed  fire,  on  their  backs, 
followed  by  a  briflc  charge  fo  as  not  to  give  them  time  to  load 
again. 

I  alfo  ordered  Captain  Mis  Campbell  \^ho  commanded  the 
legionary  cavalry  to  turn  the  left  flank  of  the  enemy  next  the 
river  and  v,hich  afforded  a  favourable  field  for  that  corps  to  ad 
in ;  all  thofe  orders  were  obeyed  with  fuirit  and  prrmptitude, 
but  fuch  v/as  the  impctuofity  of  the  charge  by  the  firft  line  of 
infantry  that  the  Indians  and  Canadian  militia  and  volunteers 
were  drove  from  all  their  coverts,  in  fo  {hort  a  time,  that 
although  every  pc  ilible  exertion  was  ufed  by  the  cflicers  of  the 
fecond  line  of  the  legion,  and  by  Generals  Scott,  Tod,  and 
Barbee  of  the  mounted  volunteers  to  gain  their  proper  pofition, 
no  pait  of  each  could  get  up  in  feafon  to  participate  in  the 
ndion,  die  enemy  being  drove  in  the  courfe  of  one  hour  more 
than  two  miles,  through  the  thick  wood  already  mentioned  by 
lefs  than  one  half  their  number. 

From  every  account  the  enemy  amounted  to  two  thoufand 
combatants,  til's:  troops  aftually  engaged  againll  them  were 

lliort 


APPENDIX.  aoj 

fliort  of  nifie  hundred.  This  horde  of  favages  with  their  allies, 
abandoned  themfelves  to  flight  and  difperfed  with  terror  and 
difmay  leaving  our  viftorious  army  in  full  and  quiet  pofTeffion 
of  the  field  of  battle,  which  terminated  under  the  influence  of 
the  guns  of  the  Britilh  garrifon,  as  you  will  obferve  by  the  In- 
clofed  correfpondence  between  Major  Campbell,  the  command- 
ant and  myfelf  upon  the  occafion. 

The  bravery  and  conduft  of  every  officer  belonging  to  the 
army  from  the  Generals  down  to  the  Enfigns,  merit  my 
hlgheft  approbation. 

There  were,  however,  fome  whofe  rank  and  fituation  placed 
their  conduiSt  in  a  very  confpicuous  point  of  view,  and  which  I 
obferved  with  pleafure  and  tlie  moft  lively  gratitude ;  among 
whom  I  mull  beg  leave  to  mention  Brigadier- General  Wilkin- 
fon  and  Colonel  Hamtramck,  the  commandanf?  of  the  right 
and  left  wings  of  the  legion,  whofe  brave  example  infpired  the 
troop?.  To  thofe  I  mufl;  add  the  names  of  my  faithful 
and  gallant  aids  de  camp  Captains  De  Butts  and  Thomas 
Lewis,  and  Lieut.  Harrifon,  who  with  the  Adjutant  General 
Major  Mills  rendered  the  moft  effential  fervice,  by  communi- 
cating my  orders  in  every  direction  and  by  their  condudl  and 
bravery  exciting  the  troops  to  prefs  for  victory. 

Lieut.  Covington  upon  whom  the  command  of  the  cavalry 
now  devolved  cut  down  two  favages  with  his  own  hand,  Lieut. 
Webb  one  in  turning  the  enemy's  left  flank. 

The  wounds  received  by  Captains  Slough  and  Prior,  and 
Lieut.  Campbell  Smith,  an  extra  aid  de  camp  to  General 
VsTilkinfon  of  the  legionary  inflmtry,  and  Captain  Van  Ren- 
felaer  of  the  dragoons,  Captain  Rawlins,  Lieut.  M' Kenny  and 
Enfign  Duncan,  of  the  mounted  volunteers,  bear  honourable 
teftimony  of  their  bravery  and  conduft. 

Captains  Howell,  Lewis,  and  Brock,  with  their  companies 
of  light  infan'ry  had  to  fuftain  an  unequal  fire  for  fome  time, 
which  they  fupported  with  fortitude;  in  fasft  every  officer  and 
foldier  who  had  an  opportunity  to  come  into  aiS:Ion  difplayed 
that  true  bravery  which  will  always  infure  fuccefs  ;  and  here 
permit  me  to  declare  that  I  never  difcovered  more  true  fpirit 
and  anxiety  for  a(5tion  than  appeared  to  pervade  the  whole  of 
the  mounted  volunteers,  and  I  am  well  perfuaded,  that  had 
the  enemy  maintained  their  favorite  ground  for  one  half  hour 
longer  they  would  have  moft  feverely  felt  the  prowefs  of  that 
corps. 

But  whilft  I  pay  this  juft  tribute  to  the  living  I  muflt  not 
neglect  the  gallant  dead,  among  whom  we  have  to  lament 
tlie  early  death  of  thofe  wortliy  and  brave  officars  Capt.  M:s 

Campbell 


2o6  APPENDIX. 

Campbell  of  the  dragoons  and  Lieut.  Towlcs  of  the  light  In- 
fantry of  the  legion,  who  fell  in  the  firft  charge. 

Inclofed  is  a  particular  return  ot  the  killed  and  wounded. 
The  lofs  of  the  enemy  was  more  than  double  to  that  of  the 
federal  army ;  the  woods  were  ftrewed  for  a  confiderable  dif. 
tance  with  dead  bodies  of  Indians  and  their  white  auxiliaries, 
the  latter  armed  with  Britifh  mufkets  and  bayonets. 

We  remained  three  days  and  nights  on  the  banks  of  the 
Miamis,  in  front  of  the  field  of  battle ;  during  which  time  all 
the  houfes  and  corn  fields  were  confumed  and  deftroyed  for  a 
confiderable  diilance  both  above  and  below  Fort  Miamis,  as 
well  as  within  piftol  fhot  of  that  garrifon,  who  were  compelled 
to  remain  tacit  fpedlators  to  this  general  devaftaticn  and  confla- 
gration, among  which  were,  the  houfes,  (lores,  and  property 
of  Col.  M'Kee,  the  Britifh  Indian  agent  and  principal  ftimu- 
lator  of  the  war  now  exifting  between  the  United  States  and 
the  Savages. 

The  army  returned  to  this  place  on  the  27th  by  eafy  marches, 
laying  wafte  the  villages,  and  cornfields  for  about  fifty  miles 
on  each  fide  of  the  Miamis :  there  remains  yet  a  number  of 
villages  and  a  great  qwanti:y  of  cr rn  to  be  confumed  or  de- 
firoyed  upon  Auglaize  and  the  Miamis,  above  this  place,  which 
will  be  effe<£ted  in  the  courfe  of  a  lew  days. 

In  the  interim  we  fhall  improve  Fort  Defiance,  and  as  foon 
as  the  efcort  returns  with  the  necelTary  fupplies  from  Greenville 
aud  Fort  Recovery,  the  army  will  proceed  to  the  Miamis  vil- 
lages, in  order  to  accomplilh  the  objeft  of  the  campaign. 

It  is  however  not  improbable  that  the  enemy  may  make  one 
defperate  effort  againlt  the  army,  as  it  is  faid  that  a  re-inforce- 
ment  was  hourly  expeded  at  Fort  Miamis  from  Niagaia,  as 
well  as  numerous  tribes  of  Indians  living  on  the  margins  and 
iflands  of  the  lakes. 

This  is  a  bufinefs  rather  to  be  wifhed  for  than  dreaded;  whilft 
the  army  remains  in  force,  their  numbers  will  only  tend  to 
confufe  the  favages,  and  the  victory  vv^ill  be  more  complete  and 
decifive,  and  which  may  eventually  infure  a  permanent  and 
happy  peace. 

Under  thofe  impreflions,  I  have  the  honor  to  be. 

Your  mofl  obedient, 

and  very  humble  fervant, 

ANTHONY  WAYNE. 

N.  B.  I  had  forgot  to  mention  that  I  met  m.y  flag  on  the 
1 6th,  who  was  returning  with  an  cvailve  unfwer,  in  order  to 
gain  time  for  the  arrival  oF  the  reioforcement  mer:ti')ned  by 

,     the 


APPENDIX.  207 

the  Shawanoe  Indians,  and  which  adually  did  arrive  two  days 
befoie  the  adlon. 
The  Hon.  Major-General  H.  Knoxy 
Secretary  of  War. 

Return  of  the  killed,  wounded,  and  miffing,  of  the  Federal 
army,  commanded  by  Major-General  Wayne,  in  the  adtion 
of  the  20th  Auguft,   1794. 

Squadron  of  Dragoons :  Killed,  i  captain,  I  ferjeant,  i  pri- 
vate.— ^Wounded,   i  captain,  3  privates. 

Artillery:  Wounded,   i  private. 

Firfl  fuh-legion  :  Killed,  I  private. — Wounded,  i  captain, 
1  ferjeant,  9  privates. 

Second  fuh-legion  :  Killed,  2  privates. — Wounded,  6  privates. 
Third  fuh-legion  :    Killed,  i  ferjeant,  6  privates. — Wounded, 
I  feijeant,  2  corporals,  2  muficians,  27  prixates. 

Fourth  fuh-legion  :  Killed,  t  lieutenant,  i  ferjeant,  11  privates* 
Wounded,  i  captain,  i  lieutenant,  2  ferjeants,  i  corporal' 
23  privates. 

Kentucky  volunteers :  Killed,  7  privates. — Wounded,  i  cap- 
tain,  I  lieutenant,   i  enfign,   10  privates. 

Total:  Killed,  i  captain,  i  lieutenant,  3  ferjeants,  28  pri- 
Yates. — Wounded,  4  captains,  2  lieutenants,  1  enfign,  4  fer- 
jeants, 3  corporals,  2  muficians,  84  privates. 

Names  of  Oncers  Killed. 

Captain  Robert  Mis  Campbell  of  dragoons. 
Lieutenant  Henry  B.  Towles,  4th  fub-iegion. 

Names  of  Officers  Wounded, 

Captain  Solomon  Van  Renfelaer  of  dragoons. 

Captain  Abner  Frior,   i  ft  fub-legion. 

Captain  Jacob  Slough,  4th  fub-legion. 

Lieutenant  Campbell  Smith,  4th  fub-legion,  afling  as  a« 
e^xtra  aid  to  Brigadier  Gen.  Wilkinfon. 

Captain  Rawlins,  Lieutenant  M'Kenny,  and  Enfign  Dun- 
«an  of  the  Kentucky  volunteers. 

(Signed)  John  Mills, 

Major  of  Infantry,  and 
.Adjuiant  General. 

No. 


ao8  APPENDIX. 


No.  I. 


SIR, 

An  army  of  the  United  States  of  America,  faid  to  be  under 
your  command,  having  taken  poft  on  the  banks  of  Miamis,  for 
upwards  of  the  lafl  twenty-four  hours,  almoft  within  the  reach 
of  the  guns  of  this  fort,  being  a  poft  belonging  to  his  majefty 
the  king  of  Great  Britain,  occupied  by  his  majefty's  troops, 
and  which  I  have  the  honour  to  command,  it  becomes  me  to 
inform  myfelf,  as  fpeedily  as  pciflible,  in  what  light  I  am  to 
view  your  making  fuch  near  approaches  to  this  garrifon. 

I  have  no  hefitation  on  my  part  to  fay,  that  I  know  of  no 
war  exifting  between  Great  Britain  and  Am.erica. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  Sir,  with  great  refpecl. 
Your  moft  obedient. 

And  very  humble  fervant, 

(Signed)  WILLIAM  CAMPBELL, 

Major  24th  Regt.  commanding  a  Britlfli 
poft  on  the  banks  of  the  Miamis. 

Miamis  River,  Aug.  21.  1794. 
I'o  Major  General  F/ay»e,  Sec.  &c.  5cc. 


No.  2. 

SIR, 

I  HAVE  received  your  letter  of  this  date,  requiring 
from  me  the  motives  which  have  moved  the  army  under  my 
command  to  the  pofnion  they  at  prrfent  occupy,  ftir  within 
the  acknowledged  jurifdidion  of  the  United  States  of  Ame- 
rica. 

Without  queftioning  the  authority,  or  the  proprietj'',  Sir, 
of  your  interrogatory,  I  think  I  may,  without  breach  of 
decorum,  obferve  to  you,  that  were  you  entitled  to  an  an- 
fwer,  the  moft  full  and  fatisfaclcry  one  was  announced  to 
ycu  from  the  muzzles  of  my  fmail  arms  yefterday  morn- 
ing, in  the  adion  againft  the  hordes  of  favages  in  the  vici- 
nity of  your  poft ;  which  terminated  glorioufly  to  the  Ame- 
rican arms ;  but,  had  it  continued  until  the  Indians,  ^c.  were 
drove  under  the  Influence  of  the  poft  and  guns  you  men- 
tion, they  would  not  have  muci;  impeded  the  progrefs  of 
2  the 


APPENDIX.  269 

the  vldorlous  army  under  my  command  ;  as  no  fuch  pcft 
was  eftablifhed  at  the  commencement  of  the  prefent  waf 
between  the  Indians  and  the  Uaited  States. 

I  have  the  hon  mr  to  be,  Sir,  with  great  refpecl, 
Your  moll  obedient, 

And  very  humble  fervant, 

(Signed)  ANTHONY  V/AYNE, 

Major  General,  and  Comn.ander 
in  Chief  of  the  Federal  army. 

Camp  on  the  Bank  of  the  Miamis, 
2ift  Anguft,  1794. 

To  Major  WiUiant  Campbell,  &c.   5cc. 

No.  3. 

SIR, 

Although  your  letter  of  yefterday's  date  fully  au-^ 
tliorlfes  me  to  any  aft  of  hoilility  againft  the  arms  of  the  Uni-  ■ 
ted  States  of  America  in  this  neighbourhood,  under  your  com* 
mand,  yet,  ftill  anxious  to  prevent  that  dreadiul  deciiion, 
which  perhaps  is  not  intended  to  be  appealed  to  by  either  of 
our  countries,  I  have  forborne  for  thefe  two  days  to  refent 
thofe  infults  which  you  have  offered  to  the  Britifh  flag,  flying 
at  this  foit,  by  approaching  it  within  piftol  fliot  of  my  works, 
not  only  fingly,  but  in  numbers  with  arms  in  their  hands. 

Neither  is  it  my  with  to  wage  war  with  individuals ;  but 
flaould  you,  after  this,  continue  to  approach  my  poll  in  the 
threatening  manner  you  are  at  this  moment  doing,  my  indif- 
penfible  duty  to  my  king  and  country,  and  the  honour  of  my 
profefHon,  will  oblige  me  to  have  recourfe  to  thofe  meafures, 
which  thoufands  of  either  nadon  may  hereafter  have  caufe  to 
regret,  and  which  I  folemnly  appeal  to  God  I  have  ufed  my 
uimoll  endeavours  to  arreft. 

I  have  the  hanerto  be,  Sir,  with  much  refpeift. 
Your  moft  obedient. 

And  very  humble  fervant, 

(Signed)  WILLIAM  CAMPBELL, 

Major    24th    Reg.  commanding 
at  Fort  Miamis. 

Fort  Miamis,  Auguft  22,  1794. 
Major  General  Wayne,  Sec.  &c.  &c. 

P  [N^ 


^m  APPENDIX. 

[No  other  noilce  was  taken  of  this  letter  than  what  is  ex^ 
preiied  in  the  following  letter.  The  fort  and  works  v/ere  how- 
ever reconnoitered  in  every  direction,  at  fome  points  poffibly 
within  pitlol  fhot.  It  was  found  to  be  ;i  regular  ftrong  work, 
the  front  covered  by  a  wide  river,  with  four  guns  mounted 
on  that  face.  The  rear,  which  was  the  molt  fufceptible  of  ap- 
proach, had  two  regular  balVions  furnillied  with  eight  pieces  of 
artillery,  the  v.hole  furrounded  by  a  wide,  deep  dilch,  with  ho- 
rizontal pickets  projecting  from  the  burn  of  the  parapet  over 
the  ditch.  From  the  bottom  of  the  ditch  to  the  top  of  the  pa- 
rapet, was  about  twenty  feet  perpendicular.  The  works  were 
alfo  furrounded  by  an  abbattis,  and  furniihsd  with  a  (Irong 
garrifon.] 

No.  4. 

Camp,  Banks  of  the  M'larnls,  Augujl  z  2 . 
SIR, 

In  ynur  letter  of  the  21ft  inllant,  you  declare,  "  I 
have  no  hefitation  on  my  parr  to  fay,  that  I  know  of  no  war 
exifting  between  Great  Britain  and  America." 

I,  on  my  part,  declare  the  fame,  and  that  the  only  cauft 
I  have  to  entertain  a  contrary  idea  at  prefent  is,  die  hoftile 
aft  you  are  now  in  commifllon  of,  i.  e.  by  recently  taking 
poil  far  within  the  well  known  and  acknowledged  limits  oF 
the  United  States,  and  erecting  a  fortification  in  the  heart 
of  the  feitlements  of  the  Indian  tribes,  now  at  war  with  the 
United  States. 

This,  Sir,  appears  to  be  an  adc  of  the  higheft  aggreffion, 
and  deftrudlive  to  the  peace  and  interefl  of  tlie  Union;- 
hence  it  becomes  njy  duty  to  defire,  and  I  do  hereby  defire 
and  demand,  in  the  name  of  the  Prefident  of  the  United 
States,  that  you  immediately  defift  from  any  aft  of  hoftility 
or  aggreffion,  by  forbearing  to  fortify,  and  by  withdrawing 
the  troops,  artillery,  and  ftores  under  your  orders  and  di- 
rcftion,  forthwith,  and  removing  to  the  neareft  poll  occu- 
pied by  his  Britannic  majefty's  troops  at  the  peace  of  1783, 
and  v.'hich  you  will  be  permitted  to  do  unmolefted  by  the. 
troops  under  my  command. 

I  amj  with  very  great  refpect,  Sir, 
Your  moft  obedient, 

And  very  humble  fervant, 

(Signed)  ANTHONY  WAYNE. 

3'Tajcr  JViHiam  Camil.-H,  &c.   &c.   &c. 

No, 


APPENDIX.  811 

No.  5. 
SIR, 

I  HAVE  this  moment  the  honour  to  acknowledge 
the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  this  date  ;  in  anfwer  to  which,  I 
have  only  to  fay,  that  being  placed  here  in  the  command  of  a 
Britifh  port,  and  a(5ling  in  a  military  capacity  only,  1  cannot 
enter  into  any  difcutlion,  either  on  the  right  or  impropriety  of 
my  occupying  my  prefent  pofition  ;  thofe  are  matters  that  I 
conceive  will  be  left  to  the  ambafladors  of  our  differeot  nations. 

Having  laid  thus  much,  permit  me  to  inform  you,  that  I 
certainly  will  not  abandon  this  poll  at  the  fammons  of  any 
power  whatever,  until  I  receive  orders  to  that  purpofe  from 
thofe  I  have  the  honor  to  ferve  under,  or  the  fortune  of  war 
Ihould  oblige  me. 

I  muft  Hill  adhere,  Sir,  to  the  purport  of  my  letter  of  this 
morning,  to  defire  that  your  army,  or  individuals  belonging 
to  it,  will  not  approach  within  reach  of  my  cannon,  without 
expedllng  the  confequences  attending  it. 

Although  I  have  faid  in  the  former  part  of  my  letter  that 
my  fituation  here  is  totally  military,  yet  let  me  add.  Sir,  tiiat 
I  am  much  deceived  if  his  majefty,  the  king  of  Great  Britain, 
had  not  a  poft  on  this  river  at  and  prior  to  the  period  you 
mention. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  Sir,  with  the  greateft  refpedt, 
your  moft  obedient. 

And  very  humble  fervant, 

(Signed)  WILLIAM  CAMPBELL, 

Major  24th  Regt.  commanding  at 
Fort  Miamis. 

FortMiamis,  Aug.  22d,  1794. 

To  Major  General  IVaync,    &c;  &c.  &c. 

(^The  only  notice  taken  of  this  letter  was  the  immediately 
fetting  fire  to,  and  deftroying  every  thing  within  view  of  the 
fort,  and  even  under  the  muzzles  of  the  guns.  Had  Mr. 
Campbell  carried  his  threats  into  execution,  it  is  more  than 
probable  he  would  have  experienced  a  ftorm.] 


P  2  lamination 


iT-2  APPENDIX. 

Exam'inalion  of  a  Shaivanoe  pr'ijoner^  taken  by  Captain  IVells  on  the 
evening  of  the  I  ith  Augufl,   1794,  near  the  foot  of  the  Rapids. 

^ery.  When  did  the  Indians  receive  information  of  the  ad- 
vance of  the  army  ? 

Anfnuer,  The  firft  information  was  from  a  white  maaj  who 
came  in  of  his  own  accord  about  ten  days  fince. 

^ery.  Where  are  the  Indians  at  this  time  ? 

Anfiver^  At  Colonel  M'Kee's. 

^ery.  Where  are  the  Britifh,  and  what  are  their  numbers  ? 

Anfiver,  In  a  fort  about  one  mile  below  Colonel  M'Kee's, 
on  the  north  fide  of  the  river,  fituate  on  a  hill  or  bank  clofe  by 
the  margin,  where  there  are  about  200  men ;  they  arc  now  at 
the  fort. 

^eryt  What  number  of  great  guns  have  they  in  the  fort  ? 

Anf'wevy  Four  or  five. 

^lery,  V/hat  number  of  warriors  are  at  M'Kee*s,  and  what 
nations  do  they  belong  to  ? 

Anfiver,  There  are  600  who  abandoned  this  place  on  the 
approach  of  the  army. 

Shawanocs  about  200  but  not  more. 

Delawares  300 

Miamias  100 

Warriors  of  other  tribes  100 


700  Total. 
^ery.  What  number  are  expe>5ted  to  afTemble  in  additlonr 
to  thofe  at  tlie  foot  of  the  Rapids  I 

Anfwery  In  all  about  400  men  ;  Wyandots  300 

Tawas  240 

540 

^ery,  What  number  of  white  men  are  to  join,  and  when  ? 

Anftuer,  Mr.  or  Captain  Elliot  fet  out  for  Detroit  fix  days 
fince,  and  was  to  be  back  as  yefterday  with  all  the  militia,  and 
an  additional  number  of  regular  troops,  which  with  tliofe  al- 
ready there,  would  amount  to  loco  men;  this  is  the  general 
converfatlon  among  the  Indians,  and  Captain  Elliot  promifed 
to  bring  that  number  ;  Colonel  M'Kee's  fon  went  with  Elliot, 
as  alfo  the  man  who  deferted  from  the  army  on  its  march. 

^ery,  When  and  where  do  the  Indians  mean  to  fight  this 
army? 

Anjnvery  At  the  foot  of  the  Rapids  ;  the  white  man  who 
came  in  told  the  Indians  and  Colonel  M'Kee  that  the  army 
was  delUned  for  that  place. 

Augufli 


APPENDIX.  213 

Augufl:  28. 
Exaviinalion  of  Anto'tne  Lajfel,  a  native  of  Canada,   and  a  volun- 
teer in  Captain  CalJnuell's  company  of  Refugees,  friends  and  allies 
of  the  hoflile  Ind'ia?is,  captured  in  the  aBion  of  the  20th  inflanf. 

Who  fays,  that  he  has  refided  for  29  years  in  Upper  Ca- 
nada, 21  of  which  he  has  palTed  at  Detroit  and  on  this  river  ; 
and  that  he  has  conftantly  traded  with  the  Indians  all  that 
time  ;  that  he  refided  at  the  Miami  villages  for  1 9  years  before 
Harmer's  expedition,  when  he  kept  a  (lore  at  that  place,  and 
ufed  to  fupply  other  traders  with  goods  ;  that  he  has  fince  lived 
chiefly  at  Bean  Creek  or  Little  Glaize,  at  the  Little  Turtle'i 
town. 

That  having  lived  fo  long  among  the  hoflile  Indians,  he  is 
perfectly  acquainted  with  the  tribes  and  numbers- 

That  the  Delawares  have  about  500  men,  including  thcfe 
who  live  on  both  rivers,  the  White  River  and  Bean  Creek; 
that  the  Miamis  are  about  200  warriors ;  part  of  them  live  on 
the  St.  Jofeph's,  eight  leagues  from  this  place  ;  that  the  men 
were  all  in  the  adtion,  but  that  the  women  are  yet  at  that 
place,  or  Picquet's  village  ;  that  a  road  leads  from  this  place 
direftly  to  it ;  that  the  number  of  warriors  belonging  to  th^it 
place  when  all  together  amounts  to  about  40. 

That  the  Shawanoes  have  about  300  warriors. 

That  the  Tawas  on  this  river  are  250. 

That  the  Wyandots  are  about  300. 

That  thefe  Indians  were  generally  in  the  afllcn  of  the  20th 
Inftant,  except  fome  h\:nting  parties. 

That  a  reinforcement  d  regular  troops,  and  200  militia, 
arrived  at  Fort  Miamis  a  fsw  days  before  the  army  appeared  ; 
that  the  regular  troops  in  the  fort  amounted  to  250,  exclufive 
of  the  militia. 

That  about  70  of  the  militia,  including  Captain  Caldwell's 
corps,  were  in  the  aftion.  That  Col.  J/I'Kee,  Capt.  Elliot, 
and  Simon  Girty  were  in  the  field,  but  at  a  refpedable  diftance, 
and  near  the  river. 

That  Colonel  M'Kee's  eyiflence  "now  depends  upon  the  ex- 
ertions he  can  make  to  retrieve  the  lofs  and  difgrace  of  the  In- 
dians ;  that  he  will  ufe  every  influence  and  means  in  his 
power  to  rai.e  the  diftant  nations  to  come  forward  immedi- 
ately, and  afTiIl  in  the  war. 

That  fhould  they  not  be  able  to  coliefl  in  force  fufliciept 
to  fight  this  army,  their  intention  is  to  move  on  tlie  Spanifh 
fide  of  the  MilfifTippi,  where  part  of  their  nations  now  live ; 
tliat  Blue  Jacket  told  him,  Lalfel,  that  he  intended  to  move 
aomiediately  to  Chicago,  on  the  Illinois. 

P  3  Examlnaiins 


Sti4  APPENDIX. 

Examination  of  John  Bev'm,  a  drummer  in  the  2^th  Brtiijh  Regi* 

juiiit^  commanded  by  Colonel  E7Jgland, 

Who  fays,  that  there  are  now  four  companies  of  the  24th^ 
at  Fort  Miamis,  avera;j:ing  about  30  men,  non-commiffioned 
officers  and  privates  included  ;  that  there  were  part  of  Gover- 
nor Simcoe's  corps  in  the  gairifon,  together  with  about  60  Ca- 
nadiaiis  ;  that  the  whole  number  of  men  aftually  in  the  garri- 
fon,  including  officers,  &c.  exceeded  400.  That  the  number 
of  Indians,  Cai  adians,  Sec.  in  the  a<5tion  were  at  leaft  2000, 
according"  to  the  report  made  by  Colonel  M'Kee  and  Captain 
E  liot  to  Major  Campbell  nfter  the  action,  who  declared  in  his 
prefence,  that  there  were  a<5tually  that  number  engaged  ;  that 
there  were  four  nine  pounders,  two  large  howitzers,  and  fix  fix- 
pounders  mounted  in  the  fort,  and  twr,  fwivels,  and  well  fup- 
plied  with  ammunition ;  th  :t  the  Indians  were  regularly  fup- 
plied  with  provifiop?  'rawn  from  the  Britifli  magazine  in  the 
garrifon,  by  Col.  M'Kee.  That  a  deff  rter  from  the  American 
army  arrived  at  the  foit  about  eight  days  before  the  .trmy  made 
its  appearance,  who  gave  information  t  >  Major  CampJ-ell,  that 
the  objeft  of  the  Americans  was  to  take  thai  port  and  gariifon  ; 
that  General  Wayne  told  the  troop?  not  to  be  unealy  about 
provifions,  that  there  were  plenty  in  the  Britifti  garnfon  ;  that 
Governor  Simcoe  was  expedted  at  that  place  every  hour,  in 
confequcnce  '.f  an  exprefs  fent  to  Niagara  after  the  arrival  of 
the  dcierter,  but  had  not  arrived  when  he  canje  away  ;  that  the 
diftance  from  F^rt  Miamis  to  Detroit  is  60  miles,  w-hich  is  ge- 
nerally performed  in  two  days. 

That  the  militia  of  Detroit  and  its  vicinity  amounts  to  near 
20CO ;  that  a  C-lonel  Baubce  commands  them;  that  M'Kee 
is  alfo  a  colonel  of  militia;  that  a  Lieutenant  Silve  of  the  5th 
Britifii  regiment  is  in  the  Indian  department,  and  afts  as  fccre- 
tary  to  Colonel  M'Kee  ;  that  a  Captain  Bumbary  of  the  fame 
regiment  is  alfo  in  the  Indian  department ;  that  he  faw  a  great 
number  of  wounded  Iiidians  pafs  the  fort,  but  did  not  learn 
what  number  was  killed  ;  that  the  retiring  Indians  appeared 
much  dejeded  and  much  altered,  to  what  they  were  in  the 
morning  before  the  adion  ;  that  he  knew  of  one  company  of 
volunteers,  commanded  by  a  Captain  Caldwell,  all  white  men, 
and  armed  with  Britifii  mufkets  and  bayonets,  who  were  in  the 
adion. 


jfamcs 


AP:PENDIX.  iij 

parties    NeilPs  information    to   the  Secretary    of  War,    talcn  an 
the  2\fl  of  Oacibcr,   1794. 

James  Neill,  a  pack.horfe  iran  in  the  fervice  of  Elliot  and 
Williams,  aged  about  feventeen  years,  and  belonging  to 
Beard's  town  in  Kentucky,  was  in  the  adtion  of  the  30th  of 
June,  at  Fort  Recovery,  and  taken  prifoner  by  the  Indians, 
together  with  Peter  Keil,  and  another  by  the  name  of  Cherry, 
all  three  pack-horfe  men. 

After  he  was  taken  prifoner,  he  was  carried  to  the  Bri- 
tifli  fort  at  the  Miami,  where,  however,  he  was  not  permit- 
ted to  be  feen  by  the  Britifh,  as  the  Indians  vt'anted  to  carry 
him  to  their  own  town.  Thence  he  was  taken  to  Detroit, 
and  thence  to  Michelamackinac,  where  a  Britifh  officer 
bought  him,  who  fent  him  to  Uetrciu  to  Colonel  England, 
who  treated  them  well  *,  and  fent  uiem  to  Niagara,  at 
which  place  Peter  Keil,  being  an  Irifhman,  eniifted  in  the 
Queen's  Rangers. 

Neill  underftood  that  there  were  of  Indians  and  ivhites, 
fifteen  hundred  in  the  attack  of  Fort  Recovery.  He  him- 
felf  did  not  fee  the  whole,  but  he  faw  upwards  of  feven  hun- 
dred. 

He  underftood  they  lofl  a  great  many  in  killed  and 
wounded.  He  himfelf  faw  about  twenty  dead  carried  off, 
and  many  wounded,  while  he  was  tied  to  the  flump  of  a 
tree,  about  half  a  mile  diilvint  from  the  firing. 

The  Indians,  on  their  return  to  the  Miami  Fort,  aflerted 
that  no  enemy  ever  fought  better  than  the  people  at  Fort 
Recovery,  and  Neill  was  told  by  Captain  Doyle  at  Miche- 
lamackinac, tliat  the  Indians  loft  two  to  one  that  they  lod 
at  St.  Clair's   defeat. 

Neill  was  takea  by  the  Shawanefe,  and  made  a  prefent  of 
to  the  Ottavras,  who  live  near  the  fcrt  at  Michelamackinac. 

Neill  was  at  Detroit,  vv'hen  the  news  arrived  of  Gsneral 
Wayne's  action  with  the  Indian?,  the  20th  Auguft.  He  re- 
ceived the  information  from  one  John  Johnfon,  wl.o  had  been 
a  deferter  from  General  Wayne's  army,  and  then  was  a  militia- 
man of  Detroit,-  and  in  ihe  action  jigainft  General  Wyyne. 
He  fpoke  of  the  affair  as  a  compleat  defeat;  that  the  Indians 
loll  a  great  many,  but  he  could  not  tell  how  many.  He  fiys 
Uie  Indians,  upon  being  defeated,  wanted  to  take  refuge  in  the 

*  This  fentence  is  printed  verbatim,  as  it  ftmds  in  the  manufcrlft 
>raxilmit£ed  to  the  Koufe  of  Rcprefeutatives  of  C  /ngrsfs. 

P  4  BrltiOi 


2i6  APPENDIX. 

Brit/fh  Fort;  that  they  were  denied,  which  greatly  exafpera- 
ted  them. 

The  militia  oi  Detroit  were  again  ordered  out,  and  feveral 
Captains  put  in  the  Guard-houfe  for  refi'ftng.  He  underftood  the 
militia  men  were  forced  on  board  of  "vej/ils,  and  fent  to  Roche 
de  Bout. 

Upon  his  arrival  at  Niagara,  he  underftood  that  moft  of 
the  tro-ps  were  ordered  to  reinforce  the  garrifon  at  the  Miami 
river,  but  Governor  Sincoe  did  not  go. 

Neill  fays  that  i:  was  generally  faid  there  were  only  feven 
hundred  Indians  at  General  St.  Clair's  defeat. 


Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Constant  Freeman,  Agent  for  the  De- 
partment of  War  in  Georgia,  to  the  Sxretary  of  War, 

Fort  Fidius,  29th  September ,   1794. 

SIR, 

I  HAVE  the  pleafure  to  inform  you  that  the  poft  op- 
pofite  to  us,  on  the  South  f.de  of  the  Oconee,  has  been  taken 
and  deftrnyed  by  the  militia;  and  that  General  Clark  and  his 
adherents  have  been  removed. 

Soon  after  the  Governor's  proclamation  was  iffiied  againll 
General  Clnrk,  he  delivered  himfelf  up  to  the  fuperior  court 
in  the  county  of  Wilkes,  who  difmilTed  him,  becaufe  it  v/as 
their  opinion  that  he  had  not  violated  the  laws  of  this  State. 
This  decifion  greatly  encouraged  his  party,  and  the  fettle- 
ments  were  pulhed  with  vigour.  The  meafure  had  alfo  be- 
come very  popular,  and  it  was  believed  by  him  and  his  adhe- 
rents, that  the  militia  would  never  march  againft  them.  Un- 
der thefe  flattering  circumftances,  his  works  were  completed. 
Huufes  were  erefled  vvithin  his  forts.  A  town  was  laid  off  at 
Fort  Advance,  the  poft  oppofite  to  us.  General  Clark  was 
chofen  Major  general,  and  placed  at  the  head  of  the  enter- 
prife.  The  members  were  eleded  for  the  general  committee, 
or  committee  of  fafety,  and  every  thing  bore  the  appearance 
of  a  permanent  fettlement.  I  enclofe  you  a  copy  of  the  letter 
written  by  General  Clark  on  this  occafion*,  which  has  been 
furnifhed  me  by  Colonel  Melton. 

On  the  third  inftant,  Lieutenant  Devereaux  of  Fauche's 
Pragoons,  ftopt  a  waggon,  faid  to  be  Leaded  with  military 
ftores  for  Fort  Advance ;  but  as  nothing  was  found,  it  was 

*  The  letter  above  referred  to  is  that  iiiferted  in  this  appendir,  next 
alxr  the  copy  of  a  petitipn,  at  the  end  of  the  prefent  article. 

difmifred. 


APPENDIX.  217 

difmifled.  About  this  time  the  Governor  received  his  orders 
from  the  Prefident  of  the  United  States.  His  Excellency  di- 
redted  one  third  of  the  militia  to  hold  themfelves  in  readinefs 
to  march.  In  the  mean  time,  he  fent  Generals  Twiggs  and 
Irwin  to  General  Clark,  to  induce  him  to  remove.  Vhefe 
officers  vifited  him  at  liis  poll;  and  General  Gunn  and  Mr. 
Carnes  had  an  interview  with  him  at  GeorgetovvU,  thirty  miles 
from  hence,  but  without  effeft. 

General  Twiggs  had  ordered  Major  Adams  to  crofs  the 
river  and  endeavour  by  perfuafion  to  remove  the  fettlcrs  from 
Fort  Defiance,  fix  miles  above.  His  life  was  threatened,  and 
the  perfon  who  commanded,  ordered  his  men  to  fire  upon 
him.  -This  exafperated  the  inhabitants  in  that  neighbourhood, 
who  held  a  meeting,  the  refult  of  which  vv-as,  that  Major 
Adams  fhould  proceed  to  Augufta,  and  requell  the  Governor 
to  give  him  orders  to  difpoifefs  thefe  people. 

On  the  twenty-third,  a  Cornet  and  eighteen  men  of  Fau- 
che's  Dragoons  came  to  this  poft,  and  near  it  took  a  prifoner, 
one  of  General  Clark's  Lieutenants.  The  fame  day,  a  lieu- 
tenant and  twenty  men  joined,  took  two  prifoners  and  occu- 
pied the  landing  oppofite  to  Fort  Advance ;  and  as  far  as 
their  force  would  admit,  cut  ofi:'  the  fupplies.  On  the  twenty 
fifth.  Captain  Fauche  joined  with  another  detachment  of  his 
his  corps,  and  two  prifoners.  General  Clark  made  every  ex- 
ertion to  ftrengthen  his  poft.  Some  of  thofe  above  were 
abandoned,  and  the  garrifon  removed  to  Fort  Advance.  - 

General  Irwin  had  collected  a  party  of  militia,  and  lay  at 
Town  Creek,  nine  miles  from  hence.  On  the  twenty  fixth, 
he  encamped  on  the  bank  oppofite  to  Fort  Advance.  Colo- 
nels Melton  and  Lamar,  Major  Adams  and  other  ofHcers  of 
the  militia,  crofTed  the  fame  day,  with  one  hundred  and  thirty 
men,  and  cut  off  the  communication  on  the  fouth'fide  of  the 
river.  General  Irwin  promifed  General  Clark  that  if  he  would 
evacuate  the  poft,  himfelf  and  his  men  fhould  be  protected  in 
their  perfons  and  property.  Accordingly,  next  morning,  the 
baggage  was  removed,  and  in  the  evening  a  party  of  the  mi-, 
litia  took  pofleflion  of  the  works.  Yefterday  morning,  the  fort 
was  fet  on  fire  and  deftroyed,  and  parties  were  detached  to 
demolifh  Fort  Defiance  and  the  other  prfts  above.  There 
have  been  no  lives  loft  in  this  bufinefs.  The  prifoners  are  all 
fet  at  liberty,  except  one,  who  is  detained  in  our  guard-houfe 
until  farther  orders. 

I  never  could,  Sir,  afcertain  with  any  precifion  the  number 
of  men  who  have  joined  General  Clark  in  his  enterprife.  There 
have  a  great  many  enrolled  themfelves  who  would  not  appear 

on 


zit  APPENDIX. 

on  the  prefent  occafion.  The  greateft  force  that  has  at  any 
time  been  collected  at  Fort  Advance,  was  on  the  morning  of 
the  iweiity  fixth,  when  there  were  about  eighty  nien  wuhin 
the  fort ;  but  at  the  time  it  was  taken  the-o  were  not  twenty. 

The  militia  have  ihown  great  zeal  to  rapport  the  laws,  and 
have  preferved  good  order  and  c'-ndud.  There  has  been 
the  greateft  harmuiiy  between  them  and  the  Federal  troops. 
They  all  returned  to  their  homes  yefterday,  and  were  muftered 
before  they  left  this  place.  I  fuppole  there  have  btea  about 
two  hundred  excTufively  of  Fauche's  dragoons.  As  foon  as  I 
receive  ihc  lolh  I  Ihall  tranfmit  them. 

It  is  of  confequence  that  I  fhould,  Sir,  inform  you  that  fet- 
tling the  lands  on  the  South  fide  if  the  Oconee  is  a  favcmrite 
objcdt  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  upper  counties,  although 
General  Clark's  plan  has  not  been  approved. 

They  would  conceive  thernfclves  fafe  from  Indian  depreda- 
tions were  thefe  lands  occupied  ;  and  exertions  will  be  made  to 
induce  the  AiFembly,  at  their  next  feuion,  to  open  a  lanu  office 
for  that  purpofe.  I  enclofe  you  the  copy  of  a  petition  winch 
has  been  oifered  to  th:  inhabitants  in  this  neighbourhood.  It 
is  to  be  obferved  that  it  has  b;ten  drawn  up  by  the  party  the 
moft  violently  r  ppofed  to  General  Clark. 

It  is  a  fmgular  circumdance,  Sir,  that  not  the  leafl  oppofi- 
t:on,  has  been  fliewn  by  the  Indians  to  the  fettlenients  which 
were  making  on  their  lands,  ctherwife  than  by  reprelentations 
to  the  Governor,  and  the}  have  at  no  time  been  more  quiet 
than  they  are  al  prelent.  We  have  not  heard  from  the  nation 
{incc  the  fourth  ultimo.  Colonel  Gaither  propofes,  as  foon 
as  he  can  procure  a  proper  perfon,  to  fend  a  meifage  to  the 
Indians  to  inform  them  that  the  government  has  removed  all 
encroachments  from  their  lands. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c.  Sec. 
(Signed.)  CONSTANT  FREEMAN. 

CcJ)y  of  a  Petition  for  open'wg  ett  OJftce  for  the  Lands  South  of 
the  Oconee,  ivhich  is  to  Le  prefentccl  to  the  Legflature  of 
Georgia. 

To  the  Honourable  Senate  and  Houfe  of  Reprefcntatives 
ot"  the  (fate  of  Georgia. 

Your  Petitioners  humbly  fheweth.  Whereas  the  flate 
has  an  only  right  of  foil  to  the  vacant  territory  granted  the 
Indians  for  tlieir  hunting  grounds,  who  dwells  within  its  re- 
ipediivc  limits,   and    who  as    a  conquered  people  preferved 

merely 


APPENDIX.  2UJ 

snerel7  to  themfelves  the  claim  of  vafTals,  at  the  definitive 
treaty  of  peace  concluded  between  the  United  States  of  Ame- 
rica and  Britain,  Sec.  and  that  faid  claim,  through  cruel  out- 
ras;es,  has  frequently  been  broke  by  the  moft  aggravating 
hoftile  proceedings  on  their  part ;  and  that  our  government  by 
a  law  entitled,  '*  An  aft  to  fupprefs  the  violence  of  the  In- 
dians," palTed  in  1787,  has  guaranteed  certain  bounties  to  ful- 
diery  raifed  for  the  purpofe  of  repelling  the  dangers  cf  fuch 
unwarrantable  doings  of  faid  favages,  togeth-r  with  other 
reafons  which  is  too  tedious  to  be  defcribed  here,  which  we 
humbly  conceive  juftice  and  policy  loudly  call  on  you  ferioufly 
to  confider,  and  actuated  by  the  high  fenfe  generally  enter- 
tained of  the  magnanimity  and  wifdom  of  the  honourable  the 
Legiflature,  and  from  a  mature  conlideraticn  become  fenfible 
of  the  grand  benefit  an  enlargement  would  fpeedily  render  to 
the  flate  from  the  rapidnefs  of  migration  of  fubftantial  farm- 
ers from  our  fifter  ftates  and  Europe,  that  ftands  in  need  of 
farms.  Your  petitioners  humbly  folicit  that  you,  in  your 
•wifdom,  may  open  an  office  for  the  land  lying  fouth-eaft  of  a 
line  drawn  from  the  Currakee  mountain  the  neareft  direction 
to  the  Chataouchee  river,  thence  down  the  find  river  until  it 
interfefls  the  Spanifli  line,  thence  with  the  laid  line  to  the  tem- 
porary line  on  St.  Mary's  river. 

And  your  Petitioners,  as  in  duty  bound,  will  ever  prav, 
&:c.  &c. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  General  Clark,   to  the   Comni'ittsc  cf 
Safety. 

Fort  Advance,  5th  Sepicvder,   1794. 
Gentlemen, 

Your  favour  of  the  3d  inflant  is  now  before  me. 
Accept  my  thanks  for  your  information  and  attention  to  what 
may,  if  ever  negleded,  fo  materially  injure  cur  enterprife.  1 
confider  myfelf  honoured  by  meeting  Avith  the  unanimous 
voice  of  all  the  officers  belonging  to  the  different  garril'ons. 
I  fhall  always  endeavour  to  acquit  myfelf  worthy  of  the  com- 
mand committed  to  my  charge.  The  information  you  have 
received  agrees  with  mine  from  Augufta.  The  artillery  of 
Augufta  are  ordered  to  be  in  readinefs  to  march  in  eight  or 
ten  days,  and  one  third  of  the  militia  are  direflcd  to  be  draft- 
ed. It  has  been  tried  in  Buike  and  Richmond  crurities,  but 
quite  unfuccefsful.  The  troops  declare  ihey  will  not  fijht 
againft  us.  I  am  happy  to  find  the  dllnoiition  of  the  people 
With  you  fo  exaftly  agrees  with  my  own  friends  here.  I  be- 
lieve 


220  APPENDIX. 

lieve  it  to  l>e  the  general  difpofition  of  every  garrifon.  I  am 
determinatelv  fixed  to  nfk  every  thing  with  my  life  upon  the 
iiTue;  and  for  the  fuccefs  of  the  enterprife,  you  will  apply  to 
the  inclofed  orders  how  to  condud  yourfelves  with  inimical 
individuals.  In  cafe  of  a  body  appearing,  you  will  give  me 
the  earlieft  information.  If  you  are  fummoned  to  furrender 
in  the  garrifon,  you  muft  refufe  with  a  firmnefs  ever  accom- 
panying the  brave.  Inform  thofe  who  apply,  if  you  have 
done  wrong,  and  the  grand  jury  of  the  county  have  cogni- 
zance of  your  crime,  you  will  cheerfully  fubmit  to  be  tried 
by  a  jury  of  your  fellow^  citizens.  But  you  confider  any  or- 
ders from  the  Secretary  of  War  to  be  unconfticutional,  the 
Governor's  proclamation,  as  determined  in  Wilkes,  illegal. 
I  am  informed  that  Captain  Fauche's  troop  are  dire.iffed  to 
flop  men  and  fupplies  croffing  to  the  fouth  fide  of  the  Oconee. 
They  have  no  right  to  take  hold  of  any  private  property  what- 
ever, and  for  every  thing  detained  to  the  value  of  nne  {hilling 
belonging  to  any  adventurer,  they  fhall  fuffsr  the  penalty  of 
the  law.  If  fuch  caie  fhould  tura  up,  apply  to  a  magiftrate, 
and  bind  the  par'v  offending  to  the  next  fuperior  court.  To 
avoid  difpute«,  it  will  be  belt  to  ufe  a  prudent  precaution  in 
every  cafe.  The  prefident  of  the  board  of  officers,  E.  Brad- 
ley, Efquire,  mentions  my  appointing  a  meeting  of  the  com- 
mittee of  fafety,  on  Monday,  the  fifth  of  Odober.  If  it  is 
the  firft  Monday  of  the  month,  that  is  the  day  on  which  our 
conilitution  requires  them  to  meet.  If  two  members  meet, 
they  may  adjourn  from  day  to  day,  until  the  whole  or  a  ma- 
jority of  them  can  be  convened.  It  is  entirely  out  of  my 
power  to  appoint  the  2 2d  of  this  month,  or  any  other  day,  if 
it  does  not  agree  with  the  conftitution.  You  v/ill  attend  to 
appointing  your  members  for  the  committee,  on  tl'e  15th  of 
this  month,  at  the  feveral  garrifons.  Meet  the  firft  Monday 
in  next  month,  but  in  cafe  of  the  election,  as  mentioned,  the 
members  who  cannot  attend  on  Monday,  meet  on  Tuefday 
or  Wednefday,  that  is,  thofe  who  firft  meet  muft  adjourn  from 
day  to  day,  until  they  are  convened.  Muft  beg  you  to  copy 
orders,  and  fend  them  to  the  feveral  garrif  ms  above  you. 

Your's,  &c. 
(Signed.)  E.  CLARKE. 

Note.  You  receive  one  petit'cn  which  will  fult  every  body, 
but  a  real  tory.  Our  own  people  and  particular  friends 
will  fubfcribe  them  with  the  addition  of  the  office  being 
opened  to  no  perfons  but  thofe  who  will  become  fettlers. 

Copy 


APPENDIX.  221 

Copy  of  a    Letter  from    Constant  Freeman,    agent  for  the 
JDepartme7it  cf  War,  in  Georgia  to  the  Secretary  of  IVar,  dated 

Augusta,   12th  OBoher,   1794. 

SIR, 

I  have  have  the  honour  to  inclofe  a  duplicate  of 
my  letter  to  you  of  the  twenty  ninth  of  laft  month. 

I  arrived  at  this  place  from  Fidius  laft  evening.  When  I 
left  the  frontiers,  the  troops  v^-ere  in  perfedt  health,  esceptiDg 
Colonel  Gaither,  who  was  then  indifpofed. 

The  Indians  who  had  been  for  fome  time  quiet,  killed  and 
fcalped  on  the  30th  ultimo,  a  white  woman  and  a  negro 
wench,  near  the  Cow-lord,  on  the  Oconee.  They  alfo  have 
ftolen  horfes  and  negroes  from  Liberty  county.  Colonel  Gai- 
ther has  received  letters  from  the  nation  informing  him  that 
the  Talifee  king  had  gone  out  for  war.  The  chiefs  difap- 
proved  of  his  conduft.  We  have  not,  however,  heard  of  any 
mifchief  being  done  by  him ;  and  as  runners  were  fent  after 
him  to  perfuade  him  to  return,  I  have  hopes  that  he  has  not 
proceeded. 

As  foon  as  I  fhall  have  examined  and  forwarded  the  militia 
muftcr  and  pay  rolls,  for  the  fervices  performed  laft  year,  I 
fhall  return  to  the  frontiers. 

Your's,  &c. 

(Signed.)  CONSTANT  FREEMAN. 

Co/>V  of  a  Letter  from   the  Secretary  of  War  to  his  Excellency 
the  Governor  of  Georgia,  dated 

War  Department,  July  28th,   1794. 
SIR, 

IT  is  with  great  regret  that  the  Prefident  of  the 
United  States  has  been  lately  informed  that  a  confiderablp 
body  of  people,  in  the  upper  part  of  Georgia  have  affociated 
themfelves  for  the  purpofe  of  fetting  up  an  independent  go- 
vernment, on  the  territory  belonging  to  the  Creek  Indians, 
and  of  ereffing  forts  from  the  Oconee  to  the  Oakmulgee, 
We  only.underftand  in  general  here,  that  fuch  a  movement 
without  the  fandtion  of  your  government,  is  contrary  to  the 
laws,  without  being  informed  at  the  fame  time  of  the  name 
and  decree  of  offence  in  your  criminal  code. 

Notwith- 


222  APPENDIX. 

Notwlthftandlng  the  formation  of  a  new  ftate  cannot  take 
place,  without  the  confent  of  Congrefs,  as  well  as  the  ftate 
concerned,  and  the  United  States  on  application  of  the  legif- 
lature,  cr  of  the  executive  of  a  ftate,  when  its  legiOature  can- 
not be  convened,  are  bound  to  protcdl  it  againft  domeftic  vio- 
lence ;  it  might  perhaps  be  proper  to  leave  this  attempt  under 
its  prefent  circumftances,  to  the  management  of  your  own 
ftate,  if  it  were  not  that  the  laws  of  the  United  States  are  in- 
fringed thereby.  And  yet,  Sir,  fo  ferious  a  ftruggle  as  this 
againft  the  authority  of  the  ftate,  and  the  eredion  of  forts, 
(both  of  which  fteps  may  be  fo  eafily  turned  againft  the  United 
States,)  would  be  fufiicient  in  ihemfelves  to  call  forth  precau- 
tions on  the  part  of  the  general  government. 

The  Prefident,  however,  entertains  the  moft  perfetS  reli- 
ance on  your  exertions  to  repel  the  mifchief  arifing  from  this 
quarter. 

But  the  government  has  its  own  obligations  to  fulfil  on 
this  occafion.  The  Prefident  is  required,  by  a  law  of  the 
United  States  pafled  the  28th  February,  1793,  entitled,  "  An 
a(5t  to  regulate  trade  and  intercourfe  with  the  Indian  tribes,'* 
to  take  fuch  meafures  as  he  may  judge  neceiTary  to  remove 
from  lands  belonging  to  any  Indian  tribe,  any  citizens  or  in- 
habitants of  the  United  States,  who  make  or  attempt  to  make 
a  fettlcment  thereon. 

We  cannot  expect  to  live  In  peace  with  thefe  tribes,  if  indi- 
viduals are  at  liberty  to  invade  their  lands.  We  cannot  ex- 
peft  to  bring  them  to  the  proper  temper  for  any  of  the  opera- 
tions of  government. 

Thefe  confideratious  determine  the  Prefident  to  meet  the 
evil  in  the  commencement,  and  he  therefore  requefts  your 
excellency  to  adopt  the  following  line  of  condudl  without 
delay. 

ift.  To  warn  by  proclamation  thefe  difturbers  of  the  peace, 
that  they  are  otfending  againft  the  laws  of  the  United  States 
and  of  Georgia,  and  that  their  attempts  will  be  repelled  bj 
military  force. 

2d.  To  embody  fuch  parts  of  your  militia  as  may  be  necef- 
fary  to  accomplifti  the  bufmefs  with  decifion. 

3d.  To  call  upon  the  commanding  officer  of  the  Federal 
troops  in  Georgia,  who  is  inftruded  to  obey  your  excellency's 
orders,  to  co-operate  in  the  removal  of  thefe  fettlers  from  the 
Indian  lands. 

The  foregoing  is  founded  on  the  fuppofitlon  of  the  intelli- 
gence ftated  at  the  head  of  the  letter  being  true.     Indeed  it 

is 


APPENDIX.  223 

13  fuppofed  to  be  known  to  your  excellency  to  be  true.  If  it 
be  not  of  the  magnitude  reprefented  here,  ftill  a  monitory 
proclamation  feems  to  be  expedient, .  and  upon  the  whole  of 
this  affair  it  is  confided  to  you  to  render  your  efforts  commen- 
furate  with  the  neceffity,  fo  as  in  the  moft  complete  manner 
to  avert  the  evil  which  threatens  the  United  States  from  thefe 
turbulent  fpirits. 

The  Prelident  moreover  requefts  your  excellency  to  com- 
municate to  him  at  tlie  earlieft  poffible  moment,  the  ailual 
ftate  cf  things  in  your  quarter,  and  particularly  to  note  whe- 
ther it  will  be  receirary  to  rcfnrt  to  the  militia  of  any  other 
ftate  fo.-  aid.  The  Attorney  of  the  United  States  for  the  dif- 
tricft  ol-  Georg-ia  will  receive  your  commands  and  be  ready  to 
mftitute  pr<'fecutions  in  any  cafes,  which  you  may  be  pleafed 
to  lay  before  him. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Treafury  to  his  JLxcel- 
lemy  the  Governor  of  Georgia^  dated 

War  Department,  September  25th,   1794. 
SIR, 

In  the  abfence  of  the  Secretary  at  War,  I  have  the 
honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letters  to  his  de- 
partment of  the  5th,  19th,  and  30th  of  Auguft,  and  to  reply 
to  fuch  parts  as  are  the  moft  preffing,  referring  the  others  to 
the  return  of  that  officer. 

Among  the  pofts  which  have  been  eftablifhed,  that  at  Doc- 
tor's-town  creates  a  queftion,  in  confequence  of  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Gaither's  informatir^n,  that  it  is  within  the  India!i 
boundary.  This  is  a  matter  which  ought  to  be  unequivocally 
afcertained,  and  if  found  to  be  w'thin  the  Indiaa  line,  or  if  it 
be  even  doubtful,  whether  that  be  the  cafe,  the  poll:  muft  be 
immediately  removed.  It  is  deemed  effential  that  no  en- 
croachment fliould  take  place.  And  your  Excellency  rs 
relied  upon  for  a  ftrict  and  fcrupulous  adherence  to  this 
principle. 

Under  the  circumRances  which  led  to  it,  the  Prefident  has 
thought  proper  to  authorize  the  adoption  by  tf'e  United  States 
of  the  new  troop  ordered  by  you  into  fervice  from  the  time  of 
its  commencement,  and  to  continue  until  the  fird  of  Novem- 
ber enfuing,  v.'hen  it  is  to  be  diHsandcd, 

And  you  are  at  liberty,  if  the  ftate  of  things  fhall  render  it 
in  your  judgment  effential  to  fubftitute  at  that  time  a  company 
of  infantry  for  the  fame  fervice.-  Corps  of  horfe,.  upon  the 
terras  on  which  tlij,t  in  queftion  is  engaged,  are  expenfive  in 


224  APPENDIX. 

the  extreme,  and  in  a  much  greater  proportion  compared  with 
infantry,  than  any  fuppofeable  fuperiority  of  ufefulnefs  can 
juftify.  Indeed  it  would  require  a  treafury  much  better  fup- 
plied  than  that  of  the  United  States  to  fupport  the  expence  of 
a  multiplication  or  extenfion  of  fuch  corps.  Confequently, 
that  multiplication  or  extenfion  would  tend  to  defeat  its  own 
objed ;  for  our  inftruments  of  defence  to  be  durable  muft  be 
relative  to  our  means  of  fupporting  them.  And  when  we  find, 
as  in  the  inftance  of  the  infurreftion  now  exilling  in  the  weft- 
ern  parts  of  Pennfylvania,  that  thofe  for  whofe  immediate 
benefit  the  objefts  of  military  expenditure  occur,  are  amongft 
the  firft  to  refift  even  to  violence  the  neceffary  means  of  de- 
fraying them,  it  is  eafy  to  appreciate  the  perplexing  dilemma, 
to  which  the  government  is  reduced,  between  the  duty  and  the 
meam  of  affording  protection ;  and  the  neceffity,  confequently, 
of  (Economy  in  the  modes  of  effedting  it. 

Your  Excellency  is  pleafed  to  exprefs  your  concern  at  being 
fo  repeatedly  compelled  to  folicit  protedtion  for  the  ftate  of 
Georgia.  This  is  not  underftood  as  implying  any  want  of  due 
difpoiition  on  the  part  of  the  executive  of  this  government  to 
afford  all  the  protedlion  which  is  within  the  compafs  of  the 
means  placed  within  its  power,  having  regard  to  all  the  ob- 
jects which,  along  a  very  extended  frontier,  equally  demand 
attention.  It  is  not  doubted  that  you  render  juftice  in  this 
refpecl  to  the  views  of  the  executive. 

But  the  obfervation  you  have  made  in  this  particular,  natu- 
rally leads  to  another,  which  calls  for  the  moft  ferious  atten- 
tion of  the  governments  of  the  States  expofed  to  Indian  de- 
predations. It  is  this,  that  there  is  a  reciprocal  duty  in  the 
cafe.  The  obligation  upon  the  United  States  to  afford  ade- 
quate protedion  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  frontiers,  is  no  doubt 
of  the  higheft  and  moft  faci-ed  kind.  But  there  is  a  duty  no 
lefs  flrong  upon  thole  inhabitants  to  avoid  giving  occafion  to 
hoflilities,  by  an  irregular  and  improper  condudt,  and  upon 
the  local  governments  fmcerely  and  effectually  to  punifh  and 
reprefs  inftances  of  fuch  condud,  and  the  fpirit  which  produces 
them.  If  thefe  inhabitants  can,  with  impunity,  thwart  all 
the  meafures  of  the  United  States  for  reftoring  or  preferving 
peace,  if  they  can  with  impunity  commit  depredations 
and  outrages  upon  the  Indians,  and  that  in  violation  of  the 
faith  of  the  United  States,  pledged  not  only  in  their  general 
treaties,  but  even  in  the  fpecial,  (and  among  all  nations,  pe- 
culiarly facred)  cafe  of  a  fafe  condufl,  as  in  the  inftance  of 
the  attack  upon  the  Indians,  while  encamped  within  our  pro- 
tedipn,   on  the  tenth  of  May  laft,    can  it  le  fuiprifing,  if 

4  fuch 


APPENDIX.  22S 

fuch  circumftances  Ihould  abate  the  alacrity  of  the  na- 
tional councils  to  encounter  thofe  heavy  expences,  which 
the  protecftion  of"  the  frontiers  occafions,  and  ot;  the  readi- 
nefs  of  the  citizens  of  the  United  States,  diftant  from  the 
fcenes  of  danger,  to  acquiefce  in  the  burdens  they  produce? 
It  is  not  meant  by  thefe  remarks  to  diminilh  the  force  of  the 
excufe,  within  due  hmits,  which  is  drawn  from  the  conduct 
of  the  Indians,  towards  the  frontier  Inhabitants.  It  cannot 
he  denied  that  frequent  and  great  provocations,  to  a  fpirit  of 
animofity  and  revenge  are  given  by  them ;  but  a  candid  and 
impartial  furvey  of  the  events  which  have  from  time  to  time 
occurred,  can  leave  no  doubt  that  injuries  and  provocations 
have  been  too  far  mutual ;  that  there  is  much  to  blame  in  the 
condudt  of  the  frontier  inhabitants,  as  well  as  that  of  the  In- 
dians. And  the  refult  of  a  full  examination  muft  be,  that 
unlefs  means  to  reftrain  by  punching  the  violences  which  thofe 
inhabitants  are  in  the  habit  of  perpetrating  againft  the  Indians, 
can  be  put  in  execution,  all  endeavours  to  preferve  peace  with 
them  mull  be  for  ever  fruftrated. 

An  example  worthy  of  imitation,  in  its  fpirit,  has  lately 
been  given  by  the  furrender  to  Governor  Blount  of  feme  In- 
dians who  lately  committed  a  murder  upon  one  John  Iflian, 
an  inhabitant  of  the  South-weftern  Territory  ;  and  who  have 
been  tried  and  executed.  The  record  of  fuch  an  example  of 
juftice  and  fair  dealing  will  give  occafion  to  us  to  blufh,  if  we 
can  cite  no  inilance  of  reciprocity,  amidft  the  numerous  oc- 
cafions which  are  given  for  the  exsrcife  of  it. 

Thefe  refledlions  your  excellency  may  be  affured,  are  merely 
defigned  to  prefent  to  confideration  fojne  very  important  truths; 
truths,  a  due  attention  to  which  are  of  the  moll  ferious  con- 
cern to  thofe  dates  which  have  an  expofed  frontier.  To  give 
full  weight  to  their  claims  lapon  the  exertions  of  the  union  to 
affoid  the  requifite  proteftion,  it  is  of  great  moment  to  fatisfy 
the  United  States,  that  the  neceffity  for  them  has  not  been 
created,  or  promoted  by  a  culpable  temper,  not  fufficiently 
rellrained,  among  thofe  to  whom  the  protection  is  immediately 
to  be  extended. 

The  Prefident  learns  with  great  plaafure,  the  meafures  your 
excellency  had  begun  and  was  about  to  purfue  for  the  removal 
of  the  fettlers  under  General  Clark.  It  is  impoflible  to  con- 
ceive a  fettlement  more  unjuttifiable  in  its  pretexts  or  more 
dangerous  in  its  principle,  than  that  which  he  is  attempting. 
It  is  not  OMly  a  high-handed  ufurpation  of  the  rights  of  the 
general  and  ftata  governments,  and  a  moft  unv/ar  rant  able  en- 
croachment upon  thofe  of  the  Indians,  but  proceeding  upon 

Q„  the 


'1^6  A  P  P  E  N  D  I  X. 

the  idea  of  a  feparate  and  independent  government,  to  b« 
eredted  upon  a  military  liafis,  it  is  effentially  hoftile  to  our  re- 
publican  fyftems  of  government,  and  is  pregnant  with  incal- 
culable mifchiefs.  It  deeply  concerns  the  great  interefts  of 
the  country  that  fuch  an  eftablilhment  iliould  not  be  permitted 
to  take  rcrt,  and  that  the  example  fhould  be  cliccked  by  ade- 
quate punifhment,  in  doing  which,  no  time  is  to  be  loft,  for 
fuch  is  the  nature  of  the  eftablithment,  that  it  may  be  expedted 
rapidly  to  attain  to  a  formidable  magnitude,  involving  great 
expence  and  trouble  to  fubvert  it. 

The  Prefident  therefore  depends  abfolntely  upon  meafures 
equally  prompt  and  efficacious  to  put  an  end  to  it. 

Mr.  Haberiham,  agent  for  fupplies,  is  inftru(!T-ed  to  co-ope- 
rate, and  the  Governor  of  South-Carolina  is  requefted  to  af- 
ford upon  your  application  the  aid  of  the  militia  cf  that 
Hate,  if  circumflancss,  as  does  not  appear  probable,  fhould 
require  it. 

No  agreement  or  arrangement,  which  may  be  made,  or 
pretended  to  be  made,  between  thefe  fettlers  and  the  Indians, 
ought  to  be  fufFered  to  make  any  alteration  in  the  plan  of  fup- 
prefllng  the  fettlement,  for  no  fuch  agreement  or  arrangement 
can  poiTibly  be  legal,  or  confidering  the  manner  in  which  the 
fettlement  has  been  commenced  can,  without  affording  a 
moft  pernicious  example,  receive  the  future  fanftion  of  go- 
vernment. 

You  defire  inftrudions  with  regard  to  the  prifoners  that 
may  be  made,  in  the  event  of  the  employment  of  force.  You 
will  be  pleafed  to  caufe  them  to  be  delivered  over  to  the  cuf- 
tody  of  the  judiciary,  and  in  preference  to  that  of  the  United 
States ;  as  their  laws  define  and  prefcribe  particular  punilh- 
ments  in  fuch  cafes. 

(Signed.)  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON. 

Copy  cf  a  Letter  from  the  Governor  of  Georgia y  to  the  Secretary 
of  War. 

State- houfe,  Auguffa,  19th  Auguft,  1794. 
SIR, 

I  HAD  the  xpleafure  to  receive  your  communication 
of  the  28th  ultimo,  this  day,  and  it  is  with  real  regret  I  inform 
you,  that  the  information  therein  contained  is  in  a  great  part 
too  true.  Some  time  in  May,  I  learnt  that  fettlements  were 
making  on  the  fouth-wefl  fide  of  the  Oconee.  The  fuppofition 
^en  was,  that  the  adventurers  were  part  of  thofe  wlio  had  em- 
embarked 


APPENDIX.  227 

barked  in  the  French  intereft,  and  that,  in  a  fhort  time,  they 
v/ould  of  themfelves  difperfe  ;  but  finding  that  not  to  be  the 
cafe,  and  fearing  left  they  might  contemplate  a  ferious  fettle- 
ment,  I,  on  the  20th  of  May,  ordered  General  Irwin  to  diredt 
the  fettlers  immediately  to  remove.  Soon  after  I  was  in- 
formed the  removal  had  taken  place.  On  the  14th  of  July  I 
received  a  letter  from  Lieutenant  Colonel  Gaither,  ftating,  that 
Elijah  Clark,  late  a  major-general  in  the  militia  of  this  ftate, 
with  a  party  of  men,  had  encamped  on  the  fouth-weft  fide  of 
the  Oconee,  oppofite  to  Fort  Fidius.  On  the  24th,  General 
Irwin  fent  a  couple  of  officers  to  Clark,  with  orders  for  him  to 
move  ofl' immediately,  which  he  pofitively  refufed  ;  and  on  the 
28th,  I  iil'iied  a  proclamation,  forbidding  fuel;  unlawful  proceed- 
ings. I  alfo  w  rote  to  one  of  our  judges  to  ifTue  his  warrant, 
and  have  Clark  apprehended.  At  the  Supreme  Count  ia 
Wilkes  county,  I  am  informed  he  furrendered  himfelf  to  the 
judge,  who,  on  confulting  with  the  attorney-general,  referred 
him  to  {omc  of  the  juftices  of  the  county.  A  copy  of  their  de- 
cifion  is  herewith  enclofed,  and  from  which  there  is  reafon  to 
conclude  there  are  too  many  who  think  favourably  of  the  fet- 
tlement ;  but  I  ftill  flatter  myfelf  a  large  majority  of  the  citi- 
zens are  oppofed  to  fuch  lawlefs  adts. 

Inclofed  is  a  copy  of  my  inftrudions  to  Captain  Fauche  who 
commands  the  troop,  I  informed  you  in  my  letter  of  the  jtli 
inftant,  I  had  called  into  fervice.  It  will  be  neceflary,  I  con- 
ceive, for  the  captain  tn  be  reinforced  with  another  troop,  which 
I  fhall  immediately  order,  and  with  which  I  am  hopeful  the  ob- 
jecfls  of  his  command  will  be  elfedted.  Should  it  prove  other- 
wife,  I  fhall  lofe  no  time  in  having  recourfe  to  a  fufficient  mili- 
tary force,  for  however  unpleafant  the  taflc  may  be  of  fhedding 
the  blood  of  acquaintances,  and  thofe  whom  we  wifh  to  view, 
as  fellow  citizens,  yet  the  Prefident  may  reft  afTured  no  exer- 
tions on  my  part  fliall  be  wanting. 

Herewith  I  tranfmit  a  copy  of  a  talk  I  fent  lately  to  the 
Creek  Indians,  and  a  copy  of  a  depofition  of  William  Jones, 
taken  by  Judge  Walton.  I  fincerely  wifh  it  had  been  in  my 
power  to  have  given  a  more  pleafmg  account  of  the  fituation 
of  things  in  this  quarter. 

(Signed)        GEO.  MATHEWS. 


Q^  2  Difcharge 


323  APPENDIX. 

Dijtharge  of  General  Clarh  by  the  Jti/ltces  of  Wilkes  County,''- 
State  of  Georgia,  Wilkes  County. 

Whereas  a  proclamation  was  ifTued  on  the  28th  day  of 
July  laft,  by  his  Excellency  George  MalJiews,  Eiquire,  Go- 
vernor of  this  ftate,  bating  that  Elijah  Clark,  Eiquire,  late  ma- 
jor-general of  the  militia  vi  this  ftate,  has  gone  over  the  Oconee 
river,  with  an  intent  to  eftablilh  a  feparate  and  independent 
government  on  the  lands  allotted  for  the  Indians,  for  their 
hunting  grounds,  and  commanded,  in  the  faid  proclamation,, 
all  judges,  jufticesjlheriffs,  and  other  officers,  and  all  the  other 
citizens  of  this  ftate,  to  be  diligent  in  aiding  and  allifting  in  ap- 
prehending the  faid  Elijah  Clark,  and  his  adherents,  in  order 
that  they  might  feverally  be  brought  to  juftice  ;  and  whereas 
the  faid  Elijah  Clark,  who  is  the  objeft  of  the  faid  pi-oclama- 
tlcn,  bath  this  day  perfcnally  appeared  before  ns,  the  undei-- 
figned  juftices  of  the  peace  for  the  county  of  Wilkes,  and  fur- 
rendered  himfelf  into  cuftody,  and  it  being  our  duty  to  do 
fpeedy  juftice  to  the  faid  ftate,  as  v^ell  as  the  party  charged, 
we  proceeded  to  the  moft  mature  conftderation  of  the  caufe, 
and  after  an  examination  c;f  the  lav/s  of  this  ftate,  and  the  trea- 
ties made,  and  laws  paifed  by  the  United  States,  do  give  it  as 
Gur  decided  and  unanimous  opinion,  that  the  faid  Elijah  Clark 
be,  and  is  hereby  difcharged. 

(Signed)  R.  WOVSHAM,  J.  P. 

R.  CI-IRISTMAS,  J.  P. 
True  Copy,  G.  WOOLDRIDGE,  J.  P. 

Atteft,  Wm.  bell,  j.P. 

J.  MERIWETHER,  Sec.  E.  D.* 

Inflrv."'iotis  for  Captaw  Fauche. 

SIR,  State-hoDfe,  Augufla,  30tb  July,  1794. 

You  v>-lll  recruit  a  troop  of  horfe,  to  confift  of  (be- 
fides  commiffioned  officers)  fix  ferjeants,  fix  corporals,  one  far- 
rier, one  trumpeter,  and  eighty.fix  privates,  and  ftation  a  fub- 
ferjeant,  a  corprral,  and  twenty  dragoons,  at  each  of  the  fol- 
lowing places,  viz.  Waffords,  the  High  Shoals  of  the  Appalat- 
chie,  Fort  Twiggs,  and  the  White  Bluff.  A  ferjeant  and  fix 
dragoons  you  ^\\\  fend  to  Phillips'  Mile  Shoal.  The  detach- 
jnent  at  Waffords  will  perform  as  conftant  a  fcout  to  Ward's 
tlation  on  Tuo-alo,  and  the  Hurricane  SLoals  of  tlie  Oconee,  as 
'"  ftallion 


APPENDIX.  229 

t)ie  horfes  are  capable  of.  Thit  at  the  High  Shoals  of  the 
AppaUuchie  will  in  like  manner  fcout  to  the  Hurricane  Shoals, 
and  to  the  mouth  of  the  Appalatchie  ;  that  at  Fort  Twiggs  to 
the  mouth  ot'  the  Appalatchie  and  to  Fort  Fidius  ;  and  that  at 
the  White  Bluff  to  Fort  Fidius  and  Kiirr's. Bluff.  You  will 
take  care  to  render  the  citizens  every  proteftion  in  your  power, 
and  endeavour  to  prevent  parties  of  men  frnm  croffing  the  tem- 
porary line,  except  in  cafes  where  they  are  in  purfuit  of  Indians 
that  have  committed  murder,  or  (lolen  propei-ty.  In  thofe 
cafes  you  will  ufe  yoarbeft  ex-rtions  to  recover  the  property, - 
and  chartife  the  offenders. 

You  will  be  particularly  vigilant  in  preventing  proviuons  or 
parties  of  men  from  being  thrown  into  the  ports  wh'ch  have 
been  eftablithed  without  authority,  by  Elijah  Clark,  Efquire, 
on  the  fouth-weft  fide  of  the  Oconee  ;  and  in  cafe  eicher  faould 
fall  into  your  handi,  you  will  take  them  to  the  neareft  magif- 
trate,  in  order  that  the  men  mav  be  bouKd  over  to  their  good 
behaviour,  and  the  provlfions  fu'DJe>5ted  to  a  legal  adjudication. 
You  will  conduft  ynur^eli  with  the  greatell  circumfpection,  and 
in  no  inrtance  commit  an  adt  of  holfility,  unlefs  in  felf  preferva- 
tion. 

You  are  to  inform  Lieutenant-Colonel  Gaither  you  will  re- 
ceive his  orders  in  any  emergency  that  may  occur. 

Should  any  Indians-  come  on  the  Frontiers  in  a  friendly 
manner,  for  the  purpofe  of  reftori:":^  prifoners  or  property,  you 
will  treat  them  with  friendfliip  and  attention. 

Your  knowledge  as  an  officer  renders  it  unnecefTary  for  me  to 
urge  the  neceffity  of  a  ilrict  difcipline  being  obferved  in  your 
troop. 

True  Copy, 
Atteft,  I.  MERIWETHER,  Sec.  E.  D 

To  the  Ht ad-men  and  Warriors  of  the  Creek  Nai'ion. 

State-houfe,  Augufta,  iithAuguft,  1794, 
FaiENDs  AND  Brothers, 

I  HAVE  received  three  talks  from  your  land  by  Mr, 
Mordecal,  part  of  which  I  take  well ;  others  I  am  at  alofs  what 
they  mean. 

When  your  headmen  were  at  New- York,  and  made  peace 
with  General  V/afhington,  the  great  warrior  of  America,  I 
was  there.  Agreeably  to  that  treaty,  the  river  AppaLitchie, 
or  Tulapaka,  was  agreed  to  be  the  temporary  line  between  your 
nation  and  the  people  of  Georgia.  Some  goods  were  prom.ifcd 
to  you,  v.'hich  you  received,  and  you  were  to  make  a  plain  line 
between  our  people  and  yours.     This  you  f  lihd  to  do.     Some 

0.3  to 


230  APPENDIX. 

time  after,  General  Wafhington,  your  father,  heard  you  were 
poor,  and  wanted  bread  for  your  fquaws  and  children.  To  re- 
lieve you  from  want,  he  fent  you  corn  to  St.  Mary's,  for  ■which 
he  afked  nothing.  Agreeably  to  his  promife,  a  flore  was 
opened  there  for  you  to  trade  to,  as  your  father  hoped  by  this 
kind  treatment  that  the  good  men  of  your  nation  would  return 
the  property  you  promifed  at  the  treaty  at  New-York,  run 
the  line,  and  be  at  perted  peace  and  friendlhip  with  all  white 
people  of  the  United  States. 

After  all  this  kindnefs,  what  have  your  nation  done  ?  You 
have  not  returned  our  prifoners,  nor  reftorcd  our  property, 
nor  adled  as  friends.  The  men  that  kept  the  ftore  for  you 
to  trade  to,  were  killed  by  your  people,  and  the  goods  car- 
ried into  your  land.  You  have  not  puniflied  the  men  that 
did  this,  or  given  any  fatisfa<5tion  for  the  injury  done.  John 
Golphin  was  the  main  hand  in  thofe  muiders  and  robbe- 
ries. Major  Seagrove  informed  me  laft  winter  he  was  con- 
demned to  die  in  your  land,  and  had  fled  to  the  Spaniards. 
I  am  informed  he  is  now  returned  as  their  agent,  and  wifii- 
ing  to  difturb  your  land  with  bad  talk,  and  wants  you  to 
go  to  war  v.ith  the  United  States.  This  is  Mr.  Panton's 
doings.  He  v.iflies  to  have  all  your  trade,  and  make  you 
give  what  prices  he  pleafes  to  aik  you  for  his  goods.  Does 
your  father,  General  JVaJljhigton,  order  any  of  lis  agents  to  ajli 
you  to  mahe  luar  en  any  other  nation  ?  No  ;  he  is  too  good  a 
man  to  do  it.  He  tuifloes  to  fee  you  and  all  nations  at  peace  and 
friendjljip.  You  have  killed  many  of  cur  citizens,  and  car- 
ried away  a  great  number  of  our  horfes,  cattle,  and  negroes. 
All  this  your  father  General  Walhington  has  borne  with,  from 
a  wifh  to  be  the  friend  of  your  nation,  and  all  the  white*  per- 
ple,  as  he  is  to  all  white  ones.  As  a  proof  of  this,  he  fent  Ma- 
jor Seagrove  into  your  land  lafl  winter,  to  fee  if  peace  was  to 
be  reftored.  You  told  Mr.  Seagrove  you  were  for  peace,  and 
that  you  would  give  up  the  priloners  and  negroes,  and  return 
the  property  ;  but  in  the  fpring  when  he  returned,  he  only 
brought  four  priflmers,  and  none  of  our  negroes  or  property. 
After  {o  many  dilappointments  on  your  part,  afk  yourfelves, 
what  your  father  General  Wafhington,  or  the  people  of  Geor- 
gia have  to  expect  from  you.  On  his  part,  all  the  goods  that 
were  promifed  you  have  been  given,  and  a  wifh  ftill  remains  to 
keep  the  path  open  and  white  ;  and  with  your  nation  it  refts, 
whether  it  Ihall  be  fo  or  not.  If  you  return  to  us  our  prifoners 
^nd  property,  reftrain  your  bad  men  from  ftealing  our  horfe?, 
all  will  be  peace,  and  General  Walhington  will  open  a  trade  to 

*  Perhaps  it  ftould  be  red. 

your 


APPENDIX.  231 

your  land,  when  you  may  have  goods  for  one-fourth  lefs  than 
you  now  give  Mr.  PaaLon  for  them,  and  get  more  for  your 
fkins  and  furs. 

In  one  of  your  talks,  you  fay  a  fliip  of  Mr.  Panton's  is  taken, 
that  was  bringing  your  goods,  and  afk  whether  wc  are  at  war 
with  the  Britilh  and  Spaaiards.  To  which  I  anfvver,  we  are 
neither  at  war  with  the  Britifh  nor  Spaniards,  or  know  or  care 
any  thing  about  Mr.  Panton  or  his  Ihip.  The  Britilh  and  Spa- 
niards are  at  war  wiih  your  fathers  the  Frenchmen,  who  have 
taken  a  great  many  of  their  fhips,  and  it  is  poflible  Mr.  Pdu- 

ton'b  is  one  of  them. 

»♦» 

Friends  and  Brothers, 

In  wars  between  white  people,  I  would  advife  you  to  take 
no  part.  Peace  is  bsft  for  you.  Carry  your  fkins  and  furs  to 
the  nation  that  will  give  you  mod  for  them,  and  let  you  have 
goods  cheapeft,  for  compared  with  any  white  nation,  you  are 
a  poor  and  v/eak  people.  You  cannot  make  your  own  cloaths, 
nor  guns  that  kill  your  provifions,  nor  your  powder  or  lead ; 
therefore  you  are  in  need  of  the  affiftance  of  white  people  ;  and 
Jhould  male  it  your  ftudy  to  be  at  peace  with  them  all;  and 
when  any  white  men  wifli  you  to  ^o  to  war  on  their  account, 
they  wiih  to  ruin  your  nation. 

You  alt  about  forts  on  the  Appalatchie,  or  Tulapaka, 
There  are  two  forts  built  by  my  orders  on  that  river.  I 
told  the  White  Bird  king  laft  winter  at  Ford  Fidius  I  would 
build  them.  Our  lituiition  with  the  Cherokees  required  it. 
They  are  on  the  north  llde  of  the  river,  and  on  the  land 
that  was  given  by  your  nation  at  the  treaty  at  New- York, 
for  which  you  have  been  paid,  and  cannot  fee  vvhy  you  com- 
plain of  it.  By  that  treaty  your  nation  is  to  receive  twelve 
hundred  d  hilars  a-year  for  the  lands,  which  is  ten  times  as 
much  as  all  the  game  you  can  kill  on  it  In  one  year  is 
worth.  I  cannot  fee  how  your  nation  can  difpute  the  river's 
being  the  line,  as  it  was  agreed  on  at  three  treaties  in  Ge- 
orgia, and  the  one  at  New- York.  At  the  one  at  New-York, 
all  your  warriors  that  met  General  Wa  liington,  your  father, 
in  the  great  Council  houfe,  where  the  old  men  of  the  Uni- 
ted States  fit  to  make  laws  for  the  whole  nation  {^agreed  to 
it*.~\  The  treaty  you  had  fiq;ned  was  read  and  interpreted, 
and  General  Walhlngton  on  his  part,  for  the  United  States, 
promifed  to  perform  it,  and  all  your  warriors  then  promifed 

*  The  words  enclofed  are  fupplied  by  the  editor.  They  feem  requif.tc 
to  complete  the  meaning  of  the  leutence . 

0^4  ^ 


232  APPENDIX. 

the  lame  on  the  part  of  your  nation.  From  this  it  appears 
to  me,  you  ofily  v/ifh  to  treat  with  a  view  to  get  pielents, 
and  have  no  intention  of  complying  with  any  part  of  your 
treaties.  The  fort  you  complain  of  on  the  Oconee  is  not 
built  by  my  orders,  nor  your  father  General  Walfeington  ; 
it  is  done  by  men  that  are  a(fl:ing  without  any  authority.  I 
am  informed  they  intend  to  rent  the  land  oi  you  ;  but  if 
you  don't  chuie  to  let  them  live  on  it,  and  you  will  comply 
with  your  treaties,  by  giving  up  our  prifoners  and  reftoring 
our  property,  you  need  not  be  uneafy  about  them.  Your  fa- 
ther General  Wadiington  will  have  them  put  off  of  it.  You 
talk  of  two  men  you  had  killed  on  the  Oconee  lad  winter.  I 
might  tell  you  of  many. 

You  have  killed  our  people  ;  but  I  refrain  doing  fo.  If  we 
wifh  to  have  peace,  we  muft  not  tliitik  of  matters  that  are 
paft.  We  muft  pull  up  a  large  oak  tree,  bury  the  bones  of 
thofe  that  have  been  killed  on  both  fides  under  it,  then  plant 
the  tree,  that  it  may  grow  in  remembrance  of  our  being  one 
people.  Then,  when  we  meet  in  the  woods,  we  will  eat  and 
drink  together  friends,  and  not  wifh  to  kill  one  another. 

You  fay  you  are  afraid  we  wilh  to  take  all  your  land  ;  that 
it  is  your  father,  and  can't  fpare  it.  If  you  will  be  at  peace, 
we  want  no  more  of  your  land.  It  is  a  father  to  us  as  well  as 
you.  By  plowing  and  planting,  it  gives  bread  and  meat  to 
our  wives  and  children,  and  gets  us  all  the  goods  we  want. 
But  when  your  bad  men  fteal  our  horfes,  we  cannot  plough, 
and  work  our  land,  and  our  wives  and  children  wai-.t  meat 
and  clothes.  Therefore,  when  you  fteul  our  horfes,  you  rob 
us  of  what  cur  father  the  land  gives  us. 
Friends  and  Brothers, 

Open  your  ears,  and  hear  now  what  your  father  fays  to  you. 
If  you  llain  our  land  again  with  blood,  your  father  General 
Wadiington  will  not  think  of  peace  with  you  again.  Your 
land  will  be  the  feat  of  war,  and  you  will  have  no  place  of 
fafety  for  your  fquaws  and  children  ;  but  if  you  liften  to  the 
talk  of  peace  I  now  fend  you,  and  return  our  prifoners  and 
property,  I  will  write  to  your  father  General  Wafhington  to 
open  a  trade  with  you,  fo  that  your  nation  may  be  fupplied 
\Tith  every  thing  you  want.  We  live  in  the  fame  land,  and 
under  the  fame  fun  ;  therefore  good  fenfe  and  reafon  fay  we 
fliould  he  friends.  Major  Seagrove,  your  friend,  has  gone  to 
fee  your  fa'her  General  Wafhington.  He  was  fick  for  fome 
time  after  he  left  your  nation.  Therefore  you  muft  not  expe(fl: 
to  fee  him  as  foon  by  two  moons  as  he  told  you. 

True  Copy,  Atteft,  I.  MERIWETHTR,  Sec.  E.D. 

Depoftion 


APPENDIX.  233 

Depifition  of  JVilliam  Jones,   Georgia. 

William  Jones,  cf  the  county  cf  Wilkes,  in  the  State 
aforefaid,  being  duly  fvvorn  m^keth  oath  and  faith,  that  about 
four  months  ago,  he  was  employed  and  did  go  through  the 
Creek  country,  to  carry  a  letter  to  Ford,  Rtid,  and  Co.  at 
Penfacola,  from  Willing,  Morris,  and  Swanwick,  of  Phila- 
delphia ;  that  arriving  at  Penfacola,  the  Lieutenant  Governor 
direfted  him  to  go  to  the  principal  Governor  at  New  Orleans, 
•which  the  deponent  did ;  that  returning  from  New  Orleans, 
and  arriving  at  Penfacola  about  four  weeks  (ince,  he  there  faw 
Colonel  Brown  and  Colonel  Richard  Paris,  of  and  from  the 
ifland  of  New  Providence,  'luith  httcrs  from  Lord  Dumnore  to  ths 
Governor  of  Penfacola,  to  obtain  a  paffport  to  the  Creek  country, 
which  letters  he  faw  delivered ;  and  that  the  deponent  under- 
ftood  they  had  a  large  quantity  of  goods  for  the  Creeks,  and 
was  told  by  Baillie  China,  and  the  Indian  trader  Ruffe!,  that 
they  were  to  hold  a  treaty  with  the  Creek  nation.  The  de- 
ponent further  faith,  that  from  the  above  fads,  and  the  cir- 
cumftance  of  the  apparent  gladnejs  of  thy.  tories,  v.'ho  fled 
from  the  States  and  live  there  and  at  Tom  Bigby,  he  fuppofes 
they  were  on  a  public  embaffy,  and  not  on  a  trading  fcheme. 

The  deponent  upon  his  faid  oath,  further  faiih,  that  the 
houfe  of  Panton,  Leflie,  ond  Forbes,  lately  fent  a  parcel  of 
good  to  the  Chickafaw  country,  and  that  the  Mountain  Leader 
had  feized  them,  and  made  prifoners  of  the  traders,  alleging 
a  treaty  with  the  United  States  ;  and  the  deponent  heard  that 
their  goods  were  alfo  fent  by  tlie  diredicii  of  the  faid  Brown 
and  Paris. 

(Signed)        WILLIAM  JONES. 

Sivor/i  to  in  Severn   County,    1  '• 

the  l^t.h  day  of  Augiill,    1 794.  j 

In  addition,  the  deponent  further  faith,  that  although  he 
had  been  promifed  a  pafs  to  return  to  Georgia,  after  the  ar- 
rival of  Bronun  and  Paris,  he  was  reiufed,  othervvife  than  cir- 
cuitcuily  by  water. 

Sworn  as  above,  before  me, 

GEO.  WALTON. 

One  of  the  Judges  of  the  Superior 
Court  for  the  body  cf  the  faid  State. 

Taken  from  the  original, 

EDWARD  WATTS,  Sec,  E.  D. 

Copy 


234  APPENDIX. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  his  Excellency  the  Governor  of  Georpa,  t» 
the  Secretary  of  IVar  : 

Statc-houfe,  Augulla,  30th  Auguft,  1794. 

SIR, 

Nothing  extraordinary  has  taken  place  fince  my 
communication  to  you  of  the  19th  inftant. 

I  have  to  reqiieft  the  Prefident's  inftruftions  with  refpedt  to 
the  prifoners  which  may  fall  into  my  hand?;  in  the  event  of  a 
military  force  being  employed  againft  the  fettlements  forming 
on  the  fouth-weft  fide  of  the  Oc.niee.  Inclofed  I  fend  you  a 
printed  copy  of  Judge  Walton's  charge  to  the  Grand  Jury  of 
the  county  of  Richmohd.  I  feel  myfelf  much  indebted  to 
the  Judge  for  his  fpirited  exertions  on  this  occalion. 

I  have  furnifhed  General  Twiggs  wilh  copies  of  that  ch?.rge, 
the  folicitor-general's  opinion,  and  your  letter,  and  direfted  him, 
to  repair  to  the  fettlements  before  alluded  to,  and  after  ex- 
plaining the  nature  of  his  million,  to  order  the  fettlers  imme- 
diately to  remove.  Should  the  order  not  be  obeyed,  I  (hall 
lofe  no  time  in  drawing  together  a  force  adequate  to  compel- 
ling them. 

I  have  no  doubt  of  your  having  inftruded  the  agent  of  fup- 
plies  to  diredt  the  contrad  or  to  furniih  vi'hat  may  be  wanting 
in  the  commililiry's  and  quarter  mafter's  department. 

(Signed)  GEO.  MATHEWS. 

fudge  Walton^ s   Charge  to  the  Grand  Jury  of  Richmond  county 
State  of  Georgia. 

Gentlemen  of  the  Grand  Jurv, 

The  Eaftern  Circuit,  for  the  prefent  fummer  ended  in 
Burke.  The  term  for  this  county  being  appointed  to  be  held 
after  all  the  reft,  it  is  to  be  confidered  as  the  court  at  v;hich 
the  Judges  are  met  to  decide  on  cafes  referved  for  confultation, 
and  by  an  union  of  feffion  to  affimllate  the  dodrine  and  prac- 
tice nf  the  circuits,  and  to  clofe  the  whole  in  like  manner  as 
it  ufed  to  be  in  Burke. 

With  the  knowledge  and  experience  of  this  ufage,  and  with 
this  conftruftion  of  the  intention  of  the  legiflature,  I  do  pro. 
pofe  to  {hare  the  labours  and  refponfibility  of  office  with  my 
Brother  Smith  upon  the  prefent  occafion. 

I  ftall  do  thii  the  more  readily,  becaufe  the  moment  is 
eventful;  becaufe  the  eyes  of  the  Union  are  necelfarily  turned 

towards 


APPENDIX.  235 

towards  this  State,  and  becaufe  it  is  difgraceful  for  public  men 
to  llirink  from  the  duties  of  their  appointment. 

In  addition  to  the  prefentment  of  the  Grand  Juries  for  the 
counties  of  Chatham  and  Burke  where  1  prefided,  I  have  feen 
in  the  public  prints,  that  it  is  alleged  by  the  executive  depart- 
ment of  government,  that  certain  and  divers  perfons  have  gone 
over  the  temporary  boundary  line,  between  the  white  and  In- 
dian inhabitants  of  this  State,  "  with  intent  to  eftablifh  a  fepa- 
*'  rate  and  independent  government  on  the  lands  allotted  to 
"  the  Indians  for  their  hunting  grounds  ;"  that  the  procla- 
mation in  which  this  is  alleged,  warns  the  citizens  from  en- 
gaging in  fuch  unlawful  proceedings,  and  commands  and  re- 
quires all  judges,  juftices,  fhenffs,  and  other  officers,  to  be  aid- 
ing and  affiiling  in  apprehending  and  bringing  them  to  juftice. 

What  has  been  done  in  purfuance  of  this  proclamation  I 
know  only  from  general  report  and  the  public  prints.  Thefe 
ftate  that  General  Clark,  who  is  at  the  head  of  the  enterprife, 
furrendered  himfelf  at  Walhington  in  the  county  of  Wilkes, 
during  the  fitting  of  the  Superior  Court,  to  a  juftice  or  juftices 
of  the  Peace,  and  was  difcharged  as  having  offended  againft 
no  known  law. 

Not  hav'ng  been  in  the  way  to  aft,  and  duly  refpedtlng  the 
prefentments  of  the  grand  juries  before-mentioned,  as  well  as 
the  executive  department,  and  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  I  confider  it  a  duty  I  am  not  at  liberty  to  difpenfe 
{'with),  as  one  of  the  Judges  of  the  Republic,  to  ftate  this  cafe 
in  my  place  for  your  information,  and  that  of  my  fellow-citi- 
zens at  large. 

In  doing  this,  I  feel  myfelf  moved  by  no  other  confiderations 
than  thofe  of  the  public  law  and  order,  the  colleftive  and  in- 
dividual rights  of  the  citizens,  and  the  obligations  of  ofEce. 
With  the  gentleman  who  directs  this  enterpri/.e  I  have  been  a 
long  time  in  the  habits  of  regard  and  friendfhip  ;  I  have  known 
his  virtues  and  have  eiteemed  them.  In  the  long  and  arduous 
war  which  produced  cur  liberty  and  indepeiidence,  he  ftands 
high  in  the  lifts  of  revolutionary  patriots  and  foldlers.  But 
he  himfelf  will  forgive  and  juftify  me  in  detailing  the  laws 
againft  a  fcheme  which  tends  to  undermine  the  fair  fabric  he 
contributed  to  raife,  and  to  fubvert  the  order  of  that  fociety 
(of  ivhlch)  he  has  been  fo  long  an  ufeful  member. 

It  was  in  a  former  charge  to  the  grand  jury  at  AVafliington, 
in  Wilkes  county,  in  the  furamer  weftern  circuit  of  the  year 
1792,  that  I  had  occafion  before  to  treat  of  this  fubjeft.  It 
■was  then,  and  at  that  place,  that  I  ftated  the  cxifting  laws 
ajgaiaft  encroachments  on  the  Indian  hunting  grounds  b^'long- 

ing 


23^  APPENDIX. 

ing  to  this  State ;  and  before  a  very  large  aflemblage  of  the 
citizens,  and  which  the  prefent  occafion  demands  to  be  re- 
peated. 

Before  the  revolution  the  laws  impofed  the  fevereft  penalties 
upon  thefe  encroachments.  But,  as  there  fiicceeded  a  new 
order  of  things,  we  will  confine  our  attention  to  the  ads  which 
which  have  been  paJi'ed  fmce. 

Immediately  after  the  peace,  a  law  palled  at  Savannah  for 
opening  the  land-oflice,  dated  the  17th  day  of  p'ebruary,  1783. 
and  which  contained  the  following  chiuft  :  "  And  be  it  further 
enafted,  that  all  furveys  which  have  or  may  have  been  made,  or 
lines  run  by  any  means  or  under  any  pretence  whatever,  beyond 
the  prefent  temporary  boundary  line  witliin  this  State,  between 
the  white  inhabitants  and  the  InJians  belonging  to  the  fame, 
or  on  any  part  of  the  lands  not  already  laid  out  into  counties, 
but  allowed  to  remain  as  hunting  grounds  for  the  Indians  at 
prefent,  Ihall,  and  the  fame  is  and  are  hereby  declared  to  be 
null  and  void  to  all  intents  and  purpofes,  as  though  fuch  fur- 
veys or  lines  had  never  been  made;  and  all  and  every  perfon 
and  perfons  whatfoever,  who  fhall  hereafter  furvey  or  aflift  in 
furveying,  or  procure  to  be  furveyed  and  marked  with  lines, 
any   of  the  lands  above  defcrlbed,  whereon  the  Indians  are 
allowed  to  hunt  for  their  fupport,  or  who  fhall  obtain  or  at- 
tempt to  obtain  a  grant  for  the  fame,  before  fuch  lands  are 
taken   within  the  boundary  of  the   white  inhabitants  of  this 
State,  and  the  mode  of  granting  fuch  lands  fo  to  be  taken  in, 
be  agreed  and  determined  on  by  the  legiflature,  and  publiflied 
by  proclamation,  all  and  every  fuch  perfon  and  perfons  Ihall 
forfeit  and  pay  a  penalty  of  twenty  fliillings  for  every  acre  of 
land,  he,  (he,  or  they  Ihall  fo  run,  or  attempt  to  run  or  obtain, 
or  attempt  to  gain  a  grant  for,  which  faid  penalty  fliall  be 
recovered  in  any  court  of  record  or  confcience   (according  to 
the  amount  thereof)  within  the  State,  and  Ihall  be  for  the  ufe 
of  any  perfon  or  perfons  who  will  inform  of  and  fue  for  the 
fame,  either  by  way  of  Information  or  action ;  and  if  the  per- 
fon or  perfons  agalnft  v.'hom  a  judgment  Ihall  be  obtained  for 
any  penalty  as  aforefaid,  fhall  be  unable  to  pay  the  fame,  or 
will  not  produce  property  whereon  the  Sheriff  may  levy  tu  the 
amount  thereof,  he,  fhe,  or  they,  Ihall  be  liable,  and  the  jufticcs 
of  the  ccamty  v/here  fuch  caufe  fhall  be  tried,  fhall  order  him, 
her,  or  them,  Into  clofe  confinement  without  bail  or  mainprize, 
I  for  the  fpace  of  two  days  for  every  twenty  Ihillings  the  faid 
penalty  fo  recovered  aforefaid  fhall  confift  of,  and  which  fliall 
remain    unpaid    out   of    the   property   of   the   delinquent." 
And  to    another   claufe    In  the  fame  a<fl  declaring  the  real 

boundary 


APPENDIX.  237 

boundary  line  of  the  State  it  is  added,  "  Provided  neverthelefs 
that  nothing  herein  before  contained  fhall  extend,  or  be  con- 
ftrued  to  extend  to  authoriie  and  empower  any  furveyor  or 
other  perfon  or  perfons  whatfoever  to  furvey,  run,  or  mark 
lines  upon  the  lands  before  defcribed  as  being  allowed  to  the 
Indians  for  hunting  grounds,  or  any  part  cr  parcel  thereof,  be 
fore  or  until  permiffion  for  that  purpofe  ihail  be  granted  by  the 
legiflature,  and  made  known  by  proclamation." 

Two  years  after  this,  on  the  22d  February,  1785,  the  legit 
lature  paffed  another  adt,  having  for  object,  among  other  things, 
the  prevention  of  furveys  being  extended  over  the  temporary 
boundary  line.  The  clauf^  refpeding  the  latter  is  as  follows : 
"  And  be  it  further  enacted,  by  the  authority  aforefaid,  that 
in  cafe  any  furveys  liave  been  made,  or  grants  obtained,  for 
any  lands  lying  and  being  without  or  beyond  the  lines  of  fome 
one  of  the  counties  cf  this  State  already  laid  out,  all  and 
every  fuch  furvey  or  grant  iliall  be  confidered  as  fraudulent, 
and  the  fame  is  hereby  declared  to  be  null  and  void  ;  and  the 
perfon  or  perfons  making  fuch  furvey,  or  obtaining  fuch  grants, 
ihall  be  profecuted  and  puniihed  agreeable  to  the  1  ith  fedion  of 
the  faid  land  adt,  paifed  the  17th  February,   1783." 

This  dodtrine  was  again  repeated  two  years  afterwards,  on 
the  loth  of  February,  1787,  in  an  acl  paffed  for  the  appoint- 
ment of  commitrioners  to  run  the  line  defignating  the  Indian 
hunting  grounds.  By  this  adt,  fine  and  imprifonment  for  the 
firft  offence  are  added  to  the  penalties  herein  before  pointed  out 
for  marking,  furveyisg,  or  attempting  to  furvey  or  obtain 
grants  beyond  the  temporary  line,  and  the  fecond  is  made 
felony. 

It  was  fome  time  af'terwards,  in  the  year  1791,  the  two 
branches  of  the  legiflature  pafTed  the  following  refolution  : 
*'  Refolved,  that  the  Judges  of  the  Superior  Courts  of  this  State, 
or  (any)  one  of  them  be  required  on  proper  information  there- 
of being  given  to  iiiue  a  warrant  againft  any  furveyor  or  fur- 
veyor s,  who  have,  or  Ihall  run  any  lands  beyond  the  boundary 
line  defignating  the  Indian  hunting  grounds;  {o  that  they  may 
be  and  appear  before  the  fuperior  courts  in  their  refpedtive 
counties  to  anfwer  for  fuch  condudf ." 

Thus  far  on  the  part  of  this  State.  On  that  of  the  United 
States  it  is  provided  in  the  Federal  Conflilution,  Sedf.  3d,  of 
Article  4th,  "  New  States  may  be  admitted  by  the  Congrefs 
into  this  Union,  but  no  new  State  fliall  be  formed  or  eredted 
within  the  jurifdidcion  of  any  other  State,  nor  any  State  be 
formed  by  the  jundtion  of  two  or  more  States  or  part  of  States^ 

withour. 


238  APPENDIX. 

without  the  confent  of  the  legiflatures  of  the  States  concerned 
as  well  as  of  the  Congrefs." 

And  in  an  acl  of  Congrefs  of  the  ift  March,  1793,  is  the 
following  claufe :  "  And  be  it  further  enafted,  that  if  any 
fuch  citizen  or  inhabitant  fhall  make  a  fettlement  on  lands  be- 
longing to  any  tribe,  or  fhall  furvey  lands  or  defignate  their 
boundaries  by  marking  trees,  or  othervvife,  for  the  purpofe  of 
fettlement,  he  flrall  forfeit  a  fum  not  exceeding  one  thoufand 
dollars,  nor  lefs  than  one  hundred  dollars,  and  fufFer  imprifon- 
ment  not  exceeding  twelve  months  in  the  difcretion  of  the 
Court  before  whom  the  trial  fhall  be  :  And  it  Ihall  moreover 
be  lawful  for  the  Prefident  of  the  United  States  to  take  fuch 
meafures  as  he  may  judge  neceffary  to  remove  from  lands  be- 
longing to  any  Indian  tribe,  any  citizens  or  inhabitants  of  the 
United  States  who  have  made,  or  Ihall  hereafter  make  or 
attempt  to  make  a  fettlement  thereon. 

The  fame  aift  contains  a  claufe  prohibiting  any  purchafes  to 
be  made,  but  through  the  agency  of  the  United  States. 

Soon  after  the  acceffion  of  all  the  States  to  the  prefent  Fe- 
deral Conflitution,  I  dated  my  doubts  to  a  grand  juiy  of 
Wilkes  county  as  to  treaties  with  Savages  being  of  the  fame 
rank  of  thofe  with  civilized  nations,  and  was  inclined  to  be 
of  opinion  that  they  ought  not  to  be  confidered  in  the  lift  of 
fupreme  laws,  and  of  equal  efficacy  with  thofe  in  the  ftatute 
book ;  but  the  conftruction  of  the  United  States  has  been 
otherwife.  This  has  eftablilhed  it  in  law,  in  pra6tice,  and  opi- 
nion ;  and  it  is  my  duty  to  acquiefce.  It  appears  indeed  that 
General  Claik  claims  impunity  from  the  tenor  of  an  article 
in  the  treaty  of  New  York,  which  gives  to  the  Indians  the 
right  of  repelling,  and  which  it  would  feem  he  did  not  fear. 
That  treaty  therefore  may,  on  every  ciccount,  be  fairly  reforted 
to. 

The  fifth  article  of  the  laid  treaty  is  in  the  following  words  : 
**  The  United  States  folemnly  guarantee  to  the  Creek  nation, 
all  their  lands  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States,  to  the 
Weftward  and  Southward  of  the  boundary  defcribed  in  the 
preceding  article."  And  the  Creeks  have  lately  demanded 
of  the  Governor,  whether  this  fettlement  has  been  made  with 
the  knowledge  and  confent  of  the  Prefident. 

Whether,  therefore,  we  have  reference  to  the  laws  of  the 
United  States,  or  of  this  State,  the  enterprife  mult  be  confi- 
dered as  illegal,  and  of  courfe,  liable  to  profecution  and  pe- 
nalty, if  perfifted  in. 

But 


APPENDIX.  ?39 

But  independent  of  this,  and  regarding  the  perfons  engaged, 
as  flill  our  friends  and  fellow-citizens,  it  will  not  be  amifs  to 
ftate,  that  the  lands,  which  are  the  objeft  of  their  plan  and 
their  hopes,  belong  to  the  public,  or  State  at  large ;  and  that 
all  the  citizens  have  an  equal  claim  upon  them,  when  they  fhall 
be  made  grantable,  and  of  which  they  will  be  deprived  by  this 
anticipating  monopoly.  This  is  unjuft,  and  this  opinion  has 
been  of  long  (landing  with  me. 

In  the  charge  before  referred  to  is  the  following  claufe. 
**  The  motives  which  have  uniformly  governed  the  legiflature, 
and  induced  it  fo  often  to  repeat  its  prohibitions,  were  no  doubt 
of  a  general  nature  ;  to  preferve  good  faith  with  the  Union, 
and  peace  with  the  favages,  to  prevent  furreptitious  grants, 
and  the  monopoly  of  vacant  territory ;  but  more  efpecially 
that  all  the  citizens  fliould  have  equal  and  common  right,  when 
fuch  territory  is  permitted  by  law  to  be  taken  up.  Upon  this 
occafion  I  will  add,  that  it  is  well,  at  any  time  to  be  right;  but 
it  is  ftill  better  to  be  uniform. 

Should  the  fpirit  which  generated  the  plan  of  this  new  fettle- 
ment,  ftill  urge  its  purfuit,  what  mifchiets  may  it  not  produce 
to  the  community.  A  young  country,  fcarcely  recovered  from 
former  ravages,  but  with  the  means  ot  progreflive  amplification 
and  aggiandizement,  to  be  involved  in  a  civil  war, with  all  the 
evils  incident  to  it,  will  have  the  effect  of  arrefting  its  progrefs, 
and  putting  it  in  the  back  of  any  prcfent  calculation. 

It  is  already  known  that  the  Prefident  of  the  United  States 
has  direfted,  in  the  event  of  other  means  failing,  that  the  fettle- 
ment  Ihould  be  i'uppjelfed  by  military  coercion.  And  fliall 
the  blood  of  citizens  be  fpilled  to  fupport  the  pretenfions 
of  a  fmall  part  of  the  people,  pretenfions  without  law,  and 
refting  not  on  the  foundations  of  jui^ice?  But  it  is  faid  they 
have  expatriated  themfelves.  This  is  neither  fact,  nor  capable 
of  being  made  fo.  The  diftrid,  the  object  of  their  contem- 
plation, is  ftill  Georgia ;  and  they  muft  be  either  citizens  or  infur- 
gents.  Would  that  thefe  new  fettlers  might  attend  to  the  voice 
of  reafon,  of  benevolence,  and  moderation,  before  they  plunge 
themfelves  and  their  country  in  diftrefs  and  trouble.  A  little 
time  will  extend  our  limits,  and  we  ihall  then  be  all  upon  a 
footing. 

But  fuppofe  that  the  State,  from  the  recolledtion  of  the  pa  ft: 
fervices  of  the  princip  il  in  this  adventure,  and  a  tender  regard 
to  his  adherents  (the  United  States  out  of  view  for  the  mo- 
ment), fnould  be  difpofed  to  wink  at  the  eftablifhment  of  this 
intended  fettlement,  is  the  extent  of  the  precedent  perceived  ? 
The  ricbeft  jewel  the  State  of  Georgia  poffefTes,  and  the  real 

baas. 


240  APPENDIX. 

bafis  of  her  future  wealth  and  rank  In  the  Union,  is  her  weft- 
^rn  territory ;  and  if  one  fet  of  men  fliould  be  permitted  to 
take  pofleffion  and  keep  a  part  of  it  without  the  confent  of  her 
jjovernment,  will  it  not  be  an  example  of  right  for  any  other 
iet  of  men  to  do  the  fame  with  any  other  part,  or  with  the 
whole  of  it. 

Hence  I  conclude,  that  if  General  Clark  has  the  fame  re- 
gard for  the  State  he  has  heretofore  given  fo  many  proofs  of, 
I>e  will  defift  from  an  enterprize  fo  pregnant  with  evils  to  her. 
It  is  not  to  be  wifhed,  that  the  Federal  government  fhould 
liave  occafion  to  exert  its  power  upon  any  fuch  occafion.  It 
might  one  day  give  colour  to  pretenfions  not  confonant  to  the 
interefts  of  the  State.  There  ought  to  exift  no  fears  at  pre- 
fent ;  but  who  can  keep  pace  with  the  progrefs  of  time,  and 
of  Revolution  ? 

Gentlemen  of  the  Jury, 

I  have  now  given  a  ftate  of  this  cafe  to  you,  and  to  the 
world.  In  doing  it,  1  have  done  my  duty ;  becaufe  I  think  fo. 
At  the  feat  of  government,  in  the  centre  of  bufmefs,  and  where 
courts  fo  very  frequeirtly  i-eturn,  it  is  not  neceffary  for  me  to  add 
any  thing  upon  your  particular  duties.  Intend  well,  and  iift 
as  you  intend,  Confult  your  oath,  and  be  governed  by  it ; 
and  you  canaot  fail  to  do  right. 

(Signed)        GEORGE  WALTON. 

Augufta,  26th  Auguft,   1794. 

Extra 8  of  a  Letter  from  the  Governor  c/"  Georgia,  to  the 
Secretary  of  IVar,  dated  Siate-Houfe,  Augnflaf  OSloler  12, 
1794;  received  November  8,    1794. 

Major  Twiggs  having  returned  from  the  fettlements 
formed  by  Elijah  Clark,  on  the  louth-weft  fide  of  the  Oconee, 
with  a  pofitive  anfwer  from  Clirk  that  he  would  not  relinquiOi 
his  enterprize,  I  loft  no  time  in  putting  Brigadier-General  Irwin 
in  motion,  with  a  fufficient  detachment  of  militia  to  cut  c  £F 
the  communication,  and  otherwife  ad  as  circumftances  Ihould 
require.  I  alfo  ordered  another  detachment  to  hold  thcmfelves 
in  readinefs  to  march  as  foon  as  fome  heavy  artillery  could  be 
brought  from  Savanah,  but  from  the  prudence  and  addrefs  of 
General  Irwin,  the  marching  of  this  detachment  became  un- 
neceflary.  He  foon  compelled  the  adventurers  to  propofe  re- 
linquilhing  their  unlawful  attempts,  and  fubmit  to  the  laws  of 
their  country.  The  polls  are  all  burnt  and  deftroyed,  and  the 
3  whole 


APPENDIX.  241 

whole  bufinefs  happily  terminated  without  the  lofs  of  blood. 
I  have  the  pleafure  to  inform  you  the  militia  on  "his  occafion 
fhewed  a  determined  difpofition  to  aft  with  firmnefs,  in  fupport 
bf  the  laws  of  their  country. 

Inclofed  you  will  receive  a  copy  cf  a  depofition  relative  to 
fome  murders  and  depredations  which  hav??  lately  been  com- 
mitted by  the  Indians  in  Greene  county.  I  have  alfo  received 
a  letter  frorh  General  Jackfon,  informing  me  of  fome  negroes 
and  horfes  which  have  been  taken  fmm  Liberty  county,  and 
late  accounts  from  the  Creek  ration  ftate,  that  tlie  Taliifee 
King,  and  Broken  Ari-ow,  are  both  for  war. 

State  (?/"  Georgia, 7    n-j  111       r      i-    ,r  t 

n  p      /  \    J-  be  year  and  day  hereafter  fpecijied. 

CaMe  before  me  MefTrs.  John  Mikal,  waggon-man, 
and  Davis  Harrifon,  of  aforeiaid  State  and  county,  and  after 
being  duly  fworn,  declareth  that  on  the  30th  of  September, 
1794,  they  both  Were  near  Fort  Fidius,  where  a  young  lady 
of  the  nnme  of  Catharine  Ceifna  had  been  juft  fhot  down,  and 
on  examination  found  a  gun  fhot  wound  through  her  body,  of 
which  wound  fhe  died  and  had  been  fcalped.  They  alfo  de- 
clare having  feen  a  negro  wench  which  had  received  two  gun- 
fliot  wounds,  and  was  fcalped,  but  had  yet  life  in  her;  that 
by  every  circumftance  they  have  reafon  to  believe  thefe  horrid 
murders  were  committed  by  Indians  ;  that  they  have  heard  the 
negro  wench  declare  fhe  faw  five  ladians,  and  that  fhe  was 
thus  barbaroufly  treated  by  them.  The  aforefaid  deponents 
further  faid  nothing. 

September  30,    1794. 

1  DO  certify  the  above  to  be  the  truth,  being  there  fhortly" 
after,  and  feeing  the  dead  and  Vv-ounded,  and  followed  th^ 
trail  of  the  faid  Indians  fome  diftance. 


(Signed) 

GEO.  REID,  J.  P. 


Sworn  to  the  above ^ 
on  the  above  date, 


'e,\ 
•    i 


R  Copies 


^42  APPENDIX. 

Cor  IF  s  of  the  correfpondence  between  the  Governor  of 
Fciinryivania,  and  the  Secretary  of  War,  relative  to  the  eftab- 
lilliment  at  Prefqu'ule,  were  iiKo  communicated  by  the  Prcfident 
to  Congrefs  along  with  the  preceding  articles,  by  his  meilage 
of  the  2oth  of  November,  1794.  They  were  accompanied  by 
vUricus  cnmmunications  rcfpeding  the  difpoiitions  of  the  In- 
dians towards  the  United  State,  and  the  proceedings  regard- 
ing the  propofe  i  elf  ablilhmeiit  at  Prefq'ifle.  Thefe  papers  are 
too  volumiiions  t-^'  be  inferted  in  the  prefent  appendix.  If  the 
readers  of  this  work  are  defirous  for  their  publicati.n,  they  will 
perhaps  appear  at  fome  future  time.  That  curiofity  may  not 
be  entirely  dif  ippointed,  a  few  paffages  of  the  intelligence  con- 
cerning the  Six  Nations  have  been  feleded,  to  ferve  as  a  fpeci- 
nicn  of  the  relL 


Copy  of  a  letier  from  General  Wilk.ins  to  Clement  BiDDLe^ 
Efquire,   ^carter- MaJiLf  General  of  Pennfylvania. 

Fort  Franklin,   25 th  /^priJ,  1794. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  ARRIVED  at  this  place  yefterday  evening.  There 
came  a  party  along  confiiling  of  about  f.^rty  men  from  Cap- 
tain Deriny*s  command,  and  thiity  vokinteeis  from  the  county 
of  Allegheny-  V/e  proceed  to-niorrow  to  Caffawago.  The 
news  at  this  place  is  not  lavoiirable  tow.irds  our  eltabliihment  at 
Fr^fcj'ifle.  All  the  perfons  moft  converl'ant  with  the  Indians 
at  this  place,  as  well  as  the  commanding  officer  of  this  fort, 
agree,  ihat  the  Indians,  irritated  by  the  Brl'ifh,  are  meditating 
an  op;  ofition  to  the  defigns  of  government  refptding  that  place. 
Co.-nplanter,  and  the  other  Indians  on  the  Allegheney  river,- 
have  been  (nvJLed  to  a  couiicil  at  Buffaloe  Creek,  to  which 
place  he  and  ihey  immediately  went;  and  on  the  refult  of  that 
council,  feems  to  hang  peace  cr  war  between  us  and  the  Sir 
Na.ioi  s.  There  Lave  been  a  great  ciLtd  (f  pains  ufed  lately  ly  the 
Etigti/k  to  four  their  mind j .,  and  they  feein  .ti  fome  iiieufure  to  have 
effected  it.  The  chiims  of  the  Six  Nations  feera  to  rife  as  the 
AVeUern  Indians  are  fuccefsful  againit  the  army  (  f  the  United 
St^ites,  and  as  the  Britilh  promii'e  to  afford  them  affiilancc* 
This  council  to  which  th;  Englifh  has  fummoned,  and  the 
readinefs  with  w'hich  the  Indians  obeyed  the  fummons,  pro- 
niifes  no  good  towards  this  purt  of  the  country. 

i  My 


APPENDIX.  24^ 

.  My  intention  is  to  proceed  to  Caffawago,  and  wait  for  fur- 
ther intelligence  a  day  or  two  ;  and  fhould  a  ferious  oppofiiioni 
feem  to  be  meditating  by  the  Indians,  to  proceed  no  farther 
with  the  ftores  until  reinforced  by  more  men,  to  enable  the 
efFeding  an  eftablilhment  at  Le  Beuf.  The  water  is  very  low. 
It  is  with  the  utm^ft  difficulty  we  will  be  able  to  go  on  with 
fmall  canoes  at  prefent,  but  live  in  hopes  that  we  Ihall  have  a 
rife  in  the  water. 

(Signed.)  JOHN  WILKINS,  Jun. 

True  Copy. 

A.  I.  DALLAS,  Sec. 


^The  follonv'ing    article    is  tndofed  in  a    Letter  from  General 
Gibson,  to  Governor  Mifflin,  dated 

Pittsburg,  Jans  nth,  1794.] 

Depofition  of  D,  Ranfom,  Allegheny  County,    fj'. 

Perfonally  appeared  before  me  John  Gibfon,  one  of 
the  Aflbciate  Judges  for  the  above  county,  Daniel  Ranfom, 
who  b^ing  duly  fv.^orn,  depofeth  and  fiith,  that  he  this  depo- 
nent has  for  fome  time  paft,  traded  at  Fort  Franklin  with  the 
Senecas  and  other  Indians,  and  that  a  chief  of  the  Senecas, 
named  Tiawancas,  or  the  broken  Twig  came  there,  and  ii^- 
formed  him  the  times  would  foon  be  bad,  and  advifed  him  to 
move  off  his  family  and  efFedls.  On  this  he,  this  deponent, 
afk:d  him  how  he  knew  the  times  would  be  bad.  The  Indian 
then  informed  him  that  the  Briilflo  and  Indians  had  fent  a  belt 
of  Wampum  to  him,  inviting  him  to  council  at  Buffaloe  creek  ; 
that  he  had  declined  going,  and  tliat  the  mclTengers  then  in- 
formed him  of  the  intended  plans  of  the  Indians.  They  faid 
that  the  Cornplanter  had  been  been  bought  ly  the  Bntfj,  and 
had  joined  them,  that  he  the  Cornplanter  intended  foon  to 
come  to  Fort  Franklin,  on  pretence  of  holding  a  council  re- 
fpe<5ting  the  Indian  who  was  killed  by  Rnbifon,  that  there  the 
Britilh  and  Indians  were  to  land  at  Prefq'  Ille,  and  then  form 
a  jundtion  with  Cornplanter  on  French  creek,  and  were  then 
to  clear  it,  by  killing  all  the  people,  and  taking  all  the  pofts 
on  it ;  that  he  fo  much  afFefled  as  to  flied  tears,  and  faid  ivhat 
floall  I  do  ?  I  have  he^Jt  at  loar  aga'mfl  the  Weftern  Indian x^  in 
company  nxilth  Captain  Jefferies,  and  killed  and  falped  one  of  them. 

R  2  If 


144  APPENDIX. 

If  I  now  go  hack  to  the  Indians,  after  having  difcovered  this,  they 
luill  ii/'  me.  He  alfo  informed  this  deponent,  that  a  number 
of  cannon*  had  been  pnrchafed  by  the  Britiili  and  colleded 
at  Junnifadagoe.  the  tovin  where  Complanter  lives  at,  for  the 
purp.fe  of  cr  nveying  the  Indians  down  the  river. 

He  this  deponent  further  faith,  and  the  Standing  Stone, 
a  chief  n{  the  Onandagoes,  alfo  informed  him  at  Fort  Franklin, 
that  he  thought  the  tinies  would  foon  be  bad,  and  prefled  him 
very  much  to  leave  Fort  Franklin,  and  aiTuted  him  in  packing 
up  his  g'^ods,  &c.  that  fr(  m  what  he  fha/fj  heard,  and  feen  from 
other  Indians,  he  has  every  reafon  to  believe  the  above  account 
to  be  true. 

That  feven  white  men  came  down  the  Allegheny  a  few  days 
ago  to  Fort  Franklin,  who  informed  him,  they  faw  the  above 
mentioned  canncns  at  Junniladagoe,  and  that  the  Indians  ap- 
peared very  furly,  and  had  not  planted  any  corn  on  the  river 
at  their  towns. 

(Siened.)  D.  RANSOM. 

Stuorn  and  Sulfcrilcd  at  Phtjburg,  1 
this  1 1  ih  yarte.,  1 794,  before  mCy    J 
(Signed.)         J.  GIBSON. 

A  True  Copv  Attefted. 

(Signed.)  JOHN  GIBSONf. 


Extras   of  a  LetUr  from  Captain  Desxy,    to  General 

Gibson,  dated 

\\\h.and  \6\\\    'June,   1794. 

Yours  enclofing  a  copy  of  Polhemus's  came  yefter- 
day.  The  Cornplanter's  nephew  arrived  from  the  towns 
about  the  fime  time.  He  delivered  a  long  fpeech  from  his 
uncle  to  Lieutenant  Polhemus.  Upon  fummoning  up  the 
whole,  ive  hare  not  a  JJjrdo'V}  of  doult  hut  that  a  plan  nvas  for?ned 
to  dejiroy  all  the  pojls  ar,d fettlanents  in  this  quarter.  It  was  all 
done  upon  the  ftrengvli  cr  profpedt  of  a  war  between  the  Bri- 

*  FerJiaps  this  word  {holil,'  be  canoes- 

f  It  appcu.rs  from  ar.othtr  dtpofition,  that  Mr.  Ranfom  had  fufficient 
reafon  for  h's  apprehenfions.  Three  men  were  condudting  his  cattle  from 
Fort  Frar.kJin  to  Pittlburg  j  tv/o  of  them  were  murdered,  and  the  cattle 
•.vent  back  ajrai!!. 


tifh 


APPENDIX.  245 

tirti  and That  fubfiding  the  other  I  am  in  hopes  has 

alfo.  There  is  no  doubt  but  the  EngUflj  ivill  urge  them  to  join  tie 
Wejlern  Indians,  and  have  done  every  thing  pojfthle,  and  perhaps 
a  few  may ;  but  I  rather  think  that  unlefs  we  have  war  with 
them,    will  have  none   with  the  fix  nations  generally. 

The  Cornplanter  has  gone  to  anotlier  council  at  Buffaloe. 
He  fet  out  tlie  fame  time  the  nephew  ftarled  for  this  place, 
and  will  return  in  about  ten  days.  He  fays  he  is  very  forry 
for  the  mifchief  done  lately,  and  is  extremely  concerned  at 
the  account  given  of  their  going  to  take  up  the  hatchet ;  fays 
they  are  bad  men  that  reported  it,  that  it's  a  lie,  and  infills 
upon  knowing  who  the  information  came  from.  As  it  is  evi- 
dent that  a  tlroke  was  meditated,  but  now  perhaps  dropt, 
every  apology  which  he  can  pofTibly  make  wont  be  fufficient 
to  clear  him  of  the  imputation  of  a  traitor. 

Some  of  the  nation  fay  the  Englilli  have  bought  O'Beal. 
We  fhall  fpend  two  days  to  come  in  helping  Mr.  Polhemus 
to  put  his  garrifon  in  fome  ftate  of  defence,  for  ftiould  any 
jliing  happen  to  it,  we  ftiould  fare  the  worfe  above. 


Lately   Publijhedy 
By    RICHARD    FOLWELL, 

And  fold  at  his  Printing-office y  No.  33,  Arch-jlreet^  and  by 

the  principal  Booifellers  in  Philadelphia^ 

(price  half  a  dollar.) 


THE  POLITICAL  PROGRESS  OF  BRITAIN;  or, 
an  Impartial  History  of  Abuses  in  the  Govern- 
~MENT  of  the  British  Empire,  in  Europe,  Asia,  and  Ame- 
rica ;  from  the  Revolution  in  168B,  to  the  prefent  time:  the 
whole  tending  to  prove  the  ruinous  confequences  of  the  popular 
fyftem  of  taxation,  war,  and  conqueft. 


THIRD  EDITION. 


CONTENTS. 


Introduction — — Of  Britifh  wars  fmce  the  revolution — 
Immenfe  flaughter — Expence   of  wars — Nootka    Sound — 

Oczakow Tippoo   Saib Amount   of    national  debt — 

Enormous  extent  of  its  intereft  in  the  next  century — Scan- 
dalous terms  on  which  it  was  firft  contradted — Sketch  of  the 
civil  lift  of  William  III. — Profligate  expenditure  of  the 
court — Hints  for  royal  oeconomy — Queen  Anne — A  lingle 
default  of  thirty-five  millions  fterling — Lotteries — Earl  of 
Chatham^— Specimen  of  Britifh  taxes — Lord  North — His 
extravagant  premiums  for  money — Scheme  of  paying  off  the 
public  debt — Its  futility — Uniibrm  abfurdity  of  modern 
Britilh  wars — Imprefs  of  feamen — Character  and  defign 
of  this  work. 

CHAR  I. 

Purity  and  importance  of  Scots  reprefentatives  in  parliament — - 
Parchment  barons— Anecdotes  of  the  Scots  excife — Win- 
dow tax — Exlrafts  from  an  authentic  report  to  the  lords  of 
the  treafury — Herring  tilhery — Salt  and  coal  duties— Dread- 
ful opprellion — Fate  of  Sir  John  Fenwick — Hiftory  of  the 
creditors  of  Charles  the  fecond — Summary  of  the  public 
fervices  of  the  prince  of  Wales. 


CHAP.  II. 

Fertility  of  the  Hedrldes — Iflay — Its  prodigious  Improvement 
— Immenfe  abundance  of  fifh — Mlferable  effefts  of  excife— ' 
Coal  and  fait  duties — Specimen  of  Scots  finecures. 
CHAP.  III. 

Reports  of  the  commiffioners  of  public  accounts — »Crown  lands 
. — Aftonilhing  corn  kw— Btitilh  famint  in  the  reign  of  Wil- 
liam III. — Striking  pi(flure  of  Scots  wrerchedneTs  at  that 
period — what  Scotland  might  have  been — War  in  general 
— Culloden— The  bloody  Duke. 

CHAP.  IV. 

Blackftone — His  idea  of  the  Englifh  conflitution — Default  of 
an  hundred  and  feventy-one  millions  fterling — Powel — Bem- 
bridge — Mary  Talbot — Weftminfter  eleftion — Anecdotes  of 
the  war  with  America — Englifli  diflenters — Their  law-fuit 
with  the  corporation  of  London — Society  of  Friends— Ufl- 
paralleled  oppreflion  of  that  feft  in  England — Boxing. 
CHAP.  V. 

Civil  lift — Accumulation  of  fifteen  millions — Dog  kennels—* 
George  the  firft — His  liberal  ideas  of  government — George 
the  fecond — His  hofpilality  at  the  burial  of  his  eldeft  fon-^ 
Excife. 

CHAP.  VL 

Edward  I. — Edward  III. — Henry  V. — Ireland — Condudl  of 
Britain  in  various  quarters  of  the  iX^orld — Otahcite — Guinea 
— Norrh  America—  The  Jerfey  prifon-fhip — Bengal — Gene- 
ral eftimate  of  deftrudlion  in  the  Eaft  Indies. 


